The RMS survey: Massive young stars throughout the galaxy

Abstract

We describe a programme that aims to increase the known sample of massive young stellar objects (MYSOs) by an order of magnitude. About 2000 candidates colour-selected from the MSX survey are being followed up at radio, mm and IR wavelengths to identify genuine MYSOs from the UCHII regions and other contaminants. Results so far indicate that the strategy does indeed deliver a significant fraction of luminous YSOs that will provide the basis for future galaxy-wide systematic studies. © 2005 International Astronomical Union.