Early stages of star formation in IRDCs

In order to better characterize the properties of their embedded cores, we have obtained new 24um, 60-100um, and submillimeter continuum data toward a sample of 38 IRDCs. The 24um Spitzer images reveal that while the IRDCs remain dark, many of the cores are associated with bright 24um emission sources, which suggests that they contain one or more embedded protostars.

Combining the 24um, 60-100um, and submillimeter continuum data, we have constructed broadband spectral energy distributions (SEDs) for 157 of the cores within these IRDCs and, using simple graybody fits to the SEDs, have estimated their dust temperatures, emissivities, opacities, bolometric luminosities, masses, and densities. Based on their Spitzer/Infrared Array Camera 3-8um colors and the presence of 24um point-source emission, we have separated cores that harbor active, high-mass star formation from cores that are quiescent.