The following document lists the file abstract/TMEGEATH_NGC281.abs
from catalogue VI/111.
A plain copy of the file
(without headers/trailers) may be downloaded.
We propose an ISOCAM survey of an embedded cluster in the NGC 281 West molecular cloud. On the basis of our recent combined millimeter/centimeter/near--infrared survey of this region, we have proposed that the formation of this cluster has been triggered by a radiation driven shock. Due to the fortituitous geometry of the NGC 281 West region, it is perhaps the best candidate site of triggered star formation to date. Using ISOCAM, we will survey the molecular cloud for extremely young stellar objects using the 7.8, 9.6 (silicate feature), 11.4 and 15.0 microns filters. ISOCAM has the unparalled sensitivity to detect emission from accretion disks and infalling envelopes around low mass stars in the cluster. With ISOCAM, we can identify the youngest objects in the cluster: protostellar Class I and Class 0 objects as well as pre--main sequence stars with luminous accretion disks (Class II objects). ISOCAM will provide a unique test of our shock triggered star formation model: if the formation of stars is indeed triggered, then the youngest stars - as identified by ISOCAM - should be confined to postshock molecular gas; however, if star formation is spontaneous, then these sources should be distributed through the observed dense molecular gas. We can also search for emission from cluster stars which have emerged from the molecular cloud into the HII region, and thus assess the impact of the UV radiation on disks and protostellar envelopes.