Summary of IAU GA SpS5 - I. Obscured and distant clusters

TL;DR

This paper reviews the progress in infrared observations of obscured and distant stellar clusters in the Milky Way, highlighting their importance for understanding star formation, galactic structure, and stellar evolution.

Contribution

It summarizes recent advances in infrared survey techniques and the challenges in characterizing obscured clusters, emphasizing their scientific significance.

Findings

Discovery of numerous young, massive clusters through infrared surveys

Infrared observations are essential due to high extinction in the line of sight

Clusters serve as probes for the Milky Way's structure and stellar evolution

Abstract

This first part of Special Session 5 explored the current status of infrared-based observations of obscured and distant stellar clusters in the Milky Way galaxy. Recent infrared surveys, either serendipitously or using targeted searches, have uncovered a rich population of young and massive clusters. However, cluster characterization is more challenging as it must be obtained often entirely in the infrared due to high line-of-sight extinction. Despite this, much is to be gained through the identification and careful analysis of these clusters, as they allow for the early evolution of massive stars to be better constrained. Further, they act as beacons delineating the Milky Way's structure and as nearby, resolved analogues to the distant unresolved massive clusters studied in distant galaxies.