Triggered massive-star formation on the borders of Galactic H II regions

Abstract

Various physical processes are believed to trigger star formation on the borders of Galactic H II regions. Among these, the collect & collapse process is particularly attractive as it allows the formation of massive objects (single stars or clusters). In order to identify specific cases of this way of triggering star formation we are carrying out a multi-wavelength study of Galactic H II regions that exhibit signposts of massive-star formation at their borders. Hereby, we present two typical examples of such sources and discuss the results in the framework of the collect and collapse process, which seems to be at work as the major triggering agent in these two cases. © 2005 International Astronomical Union.