The Top Ten Spitzer YSOs in 30 Doradus

TL;DR

This study identifies and analyzes the most luminous Spitzer YSOs in 30 Doradus, revealing their diverse natures, associations with massive stars, and implications for understanding triggered star formation in this complex region.

Contribution

It provides a detailed characterization of the top ten Spitzer YSOs in 30 Doradus, including their morphologies, associations, and masses, offering new insights into star formation processes.

Findings

Revealed diversity and complexity of YSOs in 30 Doradus.

Identified associations with massive stars and dust structures.

Estimated YSO masses in the 10-30 M_{sun} range.

Abstract

The most luminous Spitzer point sources in the 30 Doradus triggered second generation are investigated coherently in the 3-8 micron region. Remarkable diversity and complexity in their natures are revealed. Some are also among the brightest JHK sources, while others are not. Several of them are multiple when examined at higher angular resolutions with HST NICMOS and WFPC2/WFC3 as available, or with VISTA/VMC otherwise. One is a dusty compact H II region near the far northwestern edge of the complex, containing a half dozen bright I-band sources. Three others appear closely associated with luminous WN stars and causal connections are suggested. Some are in the heads of dust pillars oriented toward R136, as previously discussed from the NICMOS data. One resides in a compact cluster of much fainter sources, while another appears monolithic at the highest resolutions. Surprisingly, one is the brighter of the two extended "mystery spots" associated with Knot 2 of Walborn et al. Masses are derived from YSO models for unresolved sources and lie in the 10-30 M_{sun} range. Further analysis of the IR sources in this unique region will advance understanding of triggered massive star formation, perhaps in some unexpected and unprecedented ways.