|
|
|
|
|
Angela Cotera |
|
"Star Formation in the
Galactic Center: New Directions from Large Surveys" |
|
The Galactic center (GC) is a unique region that enables detailed studies of a wide range of astrophysical phenomena common to the nuclear regions of galaxies, observable at resolutions unapproachable in other galaxies. The GC provides unparalleled opportunities to improve our understanding of the interrelationships of massive stars, warm and hot ionized gases, giant molecular clouds, large scale magnetic fields, and black holes. Recent large surveys in the region have enabled detailed investigations into star formation throughout the central ~200 pc of the Galaxy. The region contains three known extremely dense clusters of massive hot young stars which ionize the unusual thermal filaments that are seen at radio wavelengths and in PAH emission in the IRAC images. Prior to the current work, the majority of known massive stars had been contained within these three clusters. In addition, adjacent to one of these clusters are the only known photoevaporated columns in the Galactic Center. Recent high resolution HST images in the NIR Pa-alpha line, have revealed both a previously undetected population of hot massive field stars, and have shown that the pillars contain previously undetected stars which are suggestive of induced star formation. When combined with previous surveys, the new HST Pa-alpha survey is enabling us to address star formation mechanisms throughout the GC for the first time. |