Studying Complex Star-Forming Fields: Rosette Nebula and Monoceros Loop

Abstract

An investigation that presents a new analysis of the structure of the Northern Monoceros field was recently completed at the Department of Physics and Astronomy at UW Oshkosh. Northern Monoceros is arguably the most complex star-forming region in the Perseus section of the Milky Way. The area harbors a huge collection of recently born massive stars. It also contains some of the most spectacular features of interstellar matter known to date. The method of investigation chosen for this study is called uvby' photometry. This is a sophisticated astronomical technique that enables the derivation of stellar physical parameters with high precision. The photometry-derived quantities were used to obtain reliable homogeneous distances to groups and layers of stars located toward Monoceros. Our study provides an updated working model of the central part of the field up to a distance of 6500 light years and also gives us a better understanding of its overall properties. This survey has laid the basis to further investigate the connection between the young stellar population in Monoceros and its associated interstellar material in order to cast light on some aspects of star formation.