Observational studies of high-mass star formation

TL;DR

This paper reviews observational research on high-mass star formation, covering molecular line surveys, filamentary clouds, dense cores, disks, outflows, and chemistry to understand the early and ongoing processes.

Contribution

It compiles and discusses recent observational findings specifically from the authors' research on various aspects of high-mass star formation.

Findings

Identification of filamentary infrared dark clouds as early star formation sites

Detailed observations of dense cores and disks around massive protostars

Insights into the chemical composition of high-mass star-forming regions

Abstract

We present a review of observational studies of high-mass star formation, based mainly on our own research. It includes surveys of high-mass star-forming regions in various molecular lines and in continuum, investigations of filamentary infrared dark clouds, which represent the earliest phases of massive star formation, detailed studies of individual high-mass star-forming regions, dense cores and disks harboring massive (proto)stars, and associated outflows. Chemistry in these regions is discussed, too.