Triggered massive-star formation on the borders of Galactic HII regions. IV- Star formation at the periphery of Sh2-212

TL;DR

This study investigates the process of triggered massive-star formation at the edges of the Galactic HII region Sh2-212, using multi-wavelength observations to identify ongoing star formation and its mechanisms.

Contribution

It provides evidence that massive-star formation at Sh2-212's periphery is triggered by the collect and collapse process, highlighting a case of isolated massive star formation.

Findings

A molecular half-ring surrounds the HII region and is fragmented.

A massive young stellar object with a UC HII region is identified at the periphery.

The region exemplifies triggered star formation via collect and collapse.

Abstract

Aims: We wish to establish whether sequential star formation is taking place at the periphery of the Galactic HII region Sh2-212. Methods: We present CO millimetre observations of this region obtained at the IRAM 30-m telescope to investigate the distribution of associated molecular material. We also use deep JHK observations obtained at the CFHT to study the stellar content of the region, and radio observations obtained at the VLA to look for the presence of an ultra-compact (UC) HII region and for maser emission. Results: In the optical, Sh2-212 is spherically symmetric around its central exciting cluster. This HII region is located along a molecular filament. A thin, well-defined half ring of molecular material surrounds the brightest part of the HII region at the rear and is fragmented. The most massive fragment (~200 solar masses) contains a massive young stellar object displaying a near-IR excess; its spectral energy distribution indicates a high-mass (~14solar masses), high-temperature (~30000K), and high-luminosity (~17000 solar luminosities) source. This object ionizes a UC HII region. Conclusions: Sh2-212 is a good example of massive-star formation triggered via the collect and collapse process. The massive YSO observed at its periphery is a good candidate for a massive star formed in isolation.