Star-Formation Processes in Small Galactic H II Regions

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Ionized hydrogen (HII) regions in our Galaxy present a different scale of star formation than is easily observed in other galaxies. Extragalactic systems provide unique opportunities for looking at the largest star forming centers, which are seen as giant HII regions containing numerous, sometimes hundreds of, hot, early type stars. In our Galaxy, on the other hand, HII regions which are ionized by only one or two massive stars can be examined in detail. By comparing studies on both the large and small scales, that is other galaxies and our own Galaxy respectively, the question of differences in the star formation process is addressed. The nature of the star formation process plays an important role in the evolution of a galaxy. Dr. Hunter is beginning a multi-wavelength observing project to investigate the nature of small, optically visible regions of ionized hydrogen in our Galaxy to compare with data she has previously obtained on star forming regions in external galaxies. She will use optical, near infrared, and far infrared data to measure the stellar content of a sample of small star forming regions in our Galaxy. Observations of the carbon monoxide molecule in these same regions will yield information on the properties of the neutral gas clouds out of which the stars are forming. This grant is a Career Advancement Award under the Research Opportunities for Women (ROW) program.