Submillimeter Observations of Dense Clumps in the Infrared Dark Cloud G049.40-00.01

TL;DR

This study presents submillimeter observations of the dense clumps within the infrared dark cloud G049.40-00.01, revealing their physical properties, star-forming activity, and potential for high-mass star formation.

Contribution

First detailed submillimeter mapping and analysis of dense clumps in G049.40-00.01, highlighting their physical characteristics and star formation stages.

Findings

Clump masses range from 50 to 600 solar masses.

Approximately 70% of clumps are associated with protostellar activity.

Evidence of vigorous star formation in the most massive clumps.

Abstract

We obtained 350 and 850 micron continuum maps of the infrared dark cloud G049.40-00.01. Twenty-one dense clumps were identified within G049.40-00.01 based on the 350 micron continuum map with an angular resolution of about 9.6". We present submillimeter continuum maps and report physical properties of the clumps. The masses of clumps range from 50 to 600 M_sun. About 70% of the clumps are associated with bright 24 micron emission sources, and they may contain protostars. The most massive two clumps show extended, enhanced 4.5 micron emission indicating vigorous star-forming activity. The clump size-mass distribution suggests that many of them are forming high mass stars. G049.40-00.01 contains numerous objects in various evolutionary stages of star formation, from pre-protostellar clumps to HII regions.