Abstract
We analyze Spitzer and Magellan observations of a star-forming core near IRS 2 in the young cluster NGC 2264. The submillimeter source IRAS 12 S1, previously believed to be an intermediate-mass Class 0 object is shown to be a dense collection of embedded, low-mass stars. We argue that this group of stars represents the fragmenting collapse of a dense, turbulent core, using a number of indicators of extreme youth. With reasonable estimates for the velocity dispersion in the group, we estimate a dynamical lifetime of only a few times 104 yr. Spectral energy distributions of stars in the core are consistent with Class I or Class 0 assignments. We present observations of an extensive system of molecular hydrogen emission knots. The luminosity of the objects in the core region are consistent with roughly solar mass protostars.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 972-978 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Astrophysical Journal |
Volume | 642 |
Issue number | 2 I |
DOIs | |
State | Published - May 10 2006 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Open clusters and associations: individual (NGC 2264)
- Stars: formation
- Stars: pre-main-sequence
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Space and Planetary Science