| Name: Harmeen Kaur |
| Affiliation: Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences Manora Peak Nainital |
| Conference ID: ASI2026_1052 |
| Title: Stellar Feedback and Dense Gas Survival in the Reflection Nebulae of the Young Cluster Ruprecht 32 |
| Abstract Type: Oral |
| Abstract Category: Stars, Interstellar Medium, and Astrochemistry in Milky Way |
| Author(s) and Co-Author(s) with Affiliation: Harmeen Kaur(Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences, Nainital-263001, India), Saurabh Sharma(Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences, Nainital-263001, India), Alok Durgapal(Kumaun University, Nainital-263002, India) |
| Abstract: We present a comprehensive multi-wavelength investigation of the young stellar cluster Ruprecht 32 (hereafter Rup 32) and its associated H II region, aimed at understanding how stellar feedback regulates star formation and the evolution of molecular clouds. The Rup 32 star-forming complex comprises two reflection nebulae, BRAN 66A (hereafter, 66A) and BRAN 66B (hereafter, 66B). Our analysis shows that Rup 32 (radius ≈ 1.24 pc; distance ≈ 3.2 ± 0.12 kpc) is embedded within the reflection nebula 66B, located in close proximity to 66A. Mid-infrared observations at 3.6 and 4.5 μm reveal that 66A and 66B are physically connected through a photodissociation region characterized by arc-like structures surrounding the cluster. The central region of Rup 32 hosts several OB-type massive stars, indicating active radiative feedback. Far-infrared Herschel data (70–500 μm), combined with dust temperature and column density maps, reveal extended, ribbon-like filamentary structures at the outskirts of the cluster, along with multiple dense clumps and dust condensations. Crucially, the detection of CS(2–1) emission in ALMA Band 3 toward the reflection nebula 66B traces dense molecular gas (n ≳ 10⁴ cm⁻³) associated with the cluster, demonstrating that fragments of the natal molecular cloud persist despite early stellar feedback. These dense regions likely represent sites of ongoing or imminent star formation, potentially triggered by feedback-driven compression. Our results reveal a coherent picture of ionized shells, dense molecular clumps, and filamentary structures sculpted by the feedback from massive stars. This study highlights the critical role of feedback in shaping reflection nebulae, regulating star formation efficiency, and governing the early evolution of stellar clusters in Galactic environments. |
