Initial Conditions for Massive Star Birth -- Infrared Dark Clouds
Astrophysics
2009-11-13 v2
Abstract
We summarize the properties of Infrared Dark Clouds, massive, dense, and cool aggregations of interstellar gas and dust that are found througout the Galaxy in projection against the strong mid-infrared background. We describe their distribution and give an overview of their physical properties and chemistry. These objects appear to be the progenitors of high-mass stars and star clusters, but seem to be largely devoid of star formation, which however is taking place in localized spots.
Cite
@article{arxiv.astro-ph/0508030,
title = {Initial Conditions for Massive Star Birth -- Infrared Dark Clouds},
author = {K. M. Menten and T. Pillai and F. Wyrowski},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:astro-ph/0508030},
year = {2009}
}
Comments
12 pages, 4 figures, invited review, to appear in the Proceedings of IAU Symposium 227, "Massive Star Birth - A Crossroads of Astrophysics", eds. R. Cesaroni, E. Churchwell, M. Felli, and C. M. Walmsley; replacement with minor textual corrections