Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2008-11-29
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
24 pages, 15 figures. To be published in Handbook of Star Forming Regions Vol. I Astronomical Society of the Pacific, 2008, Bo
Scientific paper
The Orion star formation complex is the nearest region of on-going star formation that continues to produce both low and high mass stars. Orion is discussed in the larger context of star formation in the Solar vicinity over the last 100 Myr. The Orion complex is located on the far side of the Gould's Belt system of clouds and young stars throughwhich our Solar systemis drifting. A review is given of the overall structure and properties of the Orion star forming complex, the best studied OB association. Over the last 12 Myr, Orion has given birth to at least ten thousand stars contained in a half dozen sub-groups and short-lived clusters. The Orion OB association has been the source of several massive, high-velocity run-away stars, including mu-Columbae and AE Aurigae. Some of Orion's most massive members died in supernova explosions that created the 300 pc diameter Orion / Eridanus super-bubble whose near wall may be as close as 180 pc. The combined effects of UV radiation, stellar winds, and supernovae have impacted surviving molecular clouds in Orion. The large Orion A, IC 2118 molecular clouds and dozens of smaller clouds strewn throughout the interior of the superbubble have cometary shapes pointing back towards the center of the Orion OB association. Most are forming stars in the compressed layers facing the bubble interior.
No associations
LandOfFree
Overview of the Orion Complex does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Overview of the Orion Complex, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Overview of the Orion Complex will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-139651