Clustering/Populations -- Oral Presentation
X-ray and Infrared Surveys of Star-Forming Regions
Marc Gagne, West Chester University
Since most stars in the Galaxy probably formed in giant
molecular clouds, identifying nearly complete samples of low-mass stars
in galactic star-forming regions is an important step in understanding
the overall star-formation process. Recent X-ray, optical, and near-infrared studies of the galactic HII regions M8, M16, M17 and M20
have significantly increased the number of known cluster stars. By
comparing their X-ray and infrared properties with stars in well-studied
regions like the Orion Nebula Cluster, we can estimate distance, age and
completeness. These studies will be used to assess the prevalence of
triggered star-formation.