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A multi-wavelength classification system for the evolution of star clusters

Part of: IAU Issue 315 - From Interstellar Clouds...

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 September 2016

Bradley C. Whitmore ,
Crystal Brogan ,
Rupali Chandar ,
Aaron Evans ,
John Hibbard ,
Kelsey Johnson ,
Adam Leroy ,
George Privon ,
Anthony Remijan  and
Kartik Sheth
Bradley C. Whitmore
Affiliation:
Space Telescope Science Institute, 3700 San Martin Drive, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
Crystal Brogan
Affiliation:
National Radio Astrophysical Observatory, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA
Rupali Chandar
Affiliation:
Department of Physics & Astronomy, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, 43606, USA
Aaron Evans
Affiliation:
National Radio Astrophysical Observatory, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA Department of Astronomy, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA email: whitmore@stsci.edu
John Hibbard
Affiliation:
National Radio Astrophysical Observatory, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA
Kelsey Johnson
Affiliation:
Department of Astronomy, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA email: whitmore@stsci.edu
Adam Leroy
Affiliation:
National Radio Astrophysical Observatory, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA
George Privon
Affiliation:
Department of Astronomy, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA email: whitmore@stsci.edu
Anthony Remijan
Affiliation:
National Radio Astrophysical Observatory, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA
Kartik Sheth
Affiliation:
National Radio Astrophysical Observatory, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA
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Abstract

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The availability of high spatial resolution molecular gas observations from ALMA, and similar resolution observations in the radio continuum using the VLA, is providing the opportunity to make comparisons with specific features seen in optical observations more directly than in the past. Using our ALMA observations of the Antennae galaxies as a springboard, we have compared the locations of small-scale CO (3−2) features with a variety of multi-wavelength observations, in particular optical and near-infrared imaging using both broad (UBVI) and narrow-band data (Hα and Paβ) taken with the HST, and radio (3.6 cm) continuum observations taken with the VLA. This comparison leads to the development of an evolutionary classification system which provides a framework for studying the sequence of star cluster formation and evolution, from diffuse Giant Molecular Clouds (GMCs), to proto, embedded, emerging, young, and intermediate/old star clusters. Using this evolutionary framework, we estimate the maximum age range of clusters formed in a single GMC is approximately 10 Myr. This suggests that the molecular gas is removed over this timescale, resulting in the cessation of star formation and the destruction of the GMC within a radius of about 200 pc.

Type
Contributed Papers
Information
Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union , Volume 11 , Symposium S315: From Interstellar Clouds to Star-Forming Galaxies: Universal Processes? , August 2015 , pp. 142 - 145
Copyright
Copyright © International Astronomical Union 2016 

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