NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2013A-0317
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2013A-0317 |
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PI: Kimberly Sokal, University of Virginia, krs9tb@virginia.edu
Address: Astronomy Department, P.O. Box 400325, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4325, USA
CoI: Kelsey Johnson, University of Virginia
CoI: Philip Massey, Lowell Observatory
CoI: Remy Indebetouw, University of Virginia
Title: Emerging Wolf-Rayet Stars in Embedded Super Star Clusters
Abstract:
The formation of massive stars, especially when clustered, can alter
galaxy energetics. The presence of even a few Wolf-Rayet stars (WRs)
can drastically impact a young massive star cluster's evolution and may
be critical in removing natal gas. However, the impact on the star
formation environment of the cluster is not well understood. Observing
young massive clusters will provide insight into their formation
timescales and evolution, possibly driven by WRs whose short lifespans
provide tight age constraints. We target one of the earliest stages of
massive star clusters, detectable via thermal free-free radio emission
resulting from optically thick natal material enshrouding the cluster,
termed Ultra-Dense HII regions (UDHIIs). We hypothesize that the most
massive stars may evolve into WRs while the cluster is still embedded
and be revealed as their strong winds blow away the natal material,
resulting in an important and brief phase in cluster evolution. We
propose to obtain optical spectra of embedded UDHIIs in various galaxies
to identify WR populations. Contrasting the clusters will enable the
identification of the stages of early cluster evolution, providing
insight into the stages when Wolf-Rayet stars can be detected and their
effects on the surrounding material.
National Optical Astronomy Observatory, 950 North Cherry Avenue, P.O. Box 26732, Tucson, Arizona 85726, Phone: (520) 318-8000, Fax: (520) 318-8360
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2013A-0317 |
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