Spitzer, Near-Infrared, and Submillimeter Imaging of the Relatively Sparse Young Cluster, Lynds 988e

TL;DR

This study uses Spitzer, near-infrared, and submillimeter imaging to analyze the structure and star formation activity of the sparse young cluster Lynds 988e, comparing embedded and exposed regions and contrasting with denser clusters.

Contribution

It provides a multi-wavelength analysis of the spatial distribution of young stars in L988e, highlighting differences between embedded and exposed regions and comparing with other clusters.

Findings

Embedded region is associated with molecular cloud material.

Exposed stars are primarily found outside the dense cloud regions.

Star formation activity varies between embedded and exposed areas.

Abstract

We present {\it Spitzer} images of the relatively sparse, low luminosity young cluster L988e, as well as complementary near-infrared (NIR) and submillimeter images of the region. The cluster is asymmetric, with the western region of the cluster embedded within the molecular cloud, and the slightly less dense eastern region to the east of, and on the edge of, the molecular cloud. With these data, as well as with extant H$\alpha$ data of stars primarily found in the eastern region of the cluster, and a molecular $^{13}$CO gas emission map of the entire region, we investigate the distribution of forming young stars with respect to the cloud material, concentrating particularly on the differences and similarities between the exposed and embedded regions of the cluster. We also compare star formation in this region to that in denser, more luminous and more massive clusters already investigated in our comprehensive multi-wavelength study of young clusters within 1 kpc of the Sun.