Discovery of multi-seeded multi-mode formation of embedded clusters in the Rosette Molecular Complex

Abstract

An investigation based on data from the spatially complete 2MASS Survey reveals that a remarkable burst of clustered star formation is taking place throughout the south-east quadrant of the Rosette Molecular Cloud. Compact clusters are forming in a multi-seeded mode, in parallel and at various places. In addition, sparse aggregates of embedded young stars are extensively distributed. In this study, we report the primary results and implications for high-mass and clustered star formation in giant molecular clouds. In particular, we incorporate for the first time the birth of medium to low-mass stars into the scenario of sequential formation of OB clusters. Following the emergence of the young OB cluster NGC 2244, a variety of manifestations of forming clusters of medium to high mass appear in the vicinity of the swept-up layer of the H{\small II} region as well as further into the molecular cloud. The embedded clusters appear to form in a structured manner, which suggests they follow tracks laid out by the decay of macroturbulence. We address the possible origins of the turbulence. This leads us to propose a tree model to interpret the neat spatial distribution of clusters within a large section of the Rosette complex. Prominent new generation OB clusters are identified at the root of the tree pattern.

arXiv comment5 figures

References in corpus (3)

• Control of star formation by supersonic turbulence
• Database of Geneva stellar evolution tracks and isochrones for UBVRIJHKLL'M, HST-WFPC2, Geneva and Washington photometric systems
• Ten Million Degree Gas in M 17 and the Rosette Nebula: X-ray Flows in Galactic H II Regions

Cited by in corpus (11)

• A Chandra Study of the Rosette Star-Forming Complex. I. The Stellar Population and Structure of the Young Open Cluster NGC 2244
• A FLAMINGOS Deep Near Infrared Imaging Survey of the Rosette Complex I: Identification and Distribution of the Embedded Population
• The Herschel view of star formation in the Rosette molecular cloud under the influence of NGC 2244
• Herschel observations of embedded protostellar clusters in the Rosette Molecular Cloud
• Multi-dimensional models of circumstellar shells around evolved massive stars
• A Chandra Study of the Rosette Star-Forming Complex. II. Clusters in the Rosette Molecular Cloud
• A hydrodynamical model of the circumstellar bubble created by two massive stars
• Multiple episodes of star formation in the CN15/16/17 molecular complex
• A mapping study of L1174 with 13CO J=2-1 and 12CO J=3-2: star formation triggered by a Herbig Ae/Be star
• Multi-seeded multi-mode formation of embedded clusters in the RMC: Structured star formation toward the south-east boundary
• The discovery based on GLIMPSE data of a protostar driving a bipolar outflow