Monolithic collapse of high-mass molecular cores
Abstract
Infrared bubbles form when stellar winds and radiation pressure from young high-mass stars sweep up material from the parent molecular cloud, and can trigger the formation of a second generation of stars at the bubble rim. There are two competing theories for the triggering mechanism. The 'collect and collapse' model suggests that new stars are produced when compression of swept up material causes fragmentation under self-gravity. Alternatively, pre-existing molecular cores may undergo 'monolithic' collapse triggered by the bubble shock. We have recently undertaken a detailed study of triggered star formation in the rim of the infrared bubble G10.32-0.13 located in the W31 star formation region. The age and mass of the molecular cores hosting the young stellar objects (YSOs) are well constrained and their properties demonstrate that they have not formed through collect and collapse. These YSOs represent the best candidates yet identified for molecular cores in the process of forming high-mass stars through monolithic collapse. Through 3, 7 and 12 mm ATCA observations we will investigate the locations of the YSOs within the rim, as well as their SEDs and the kinematics of the molecular gas to directly test if they are consistent with the expectations of the monolithic collapse model.
- Publication:
-
ATNF Proposal
- Pub Date:
- April 2014
- Bibcode:
- 2014atnf.prop.6257B
- Keywords:
-
- masers (Galactic and extragalactic);
- star formation (Galactic);
- ATCA