Multiple stellar generations in massive star forming complexes
Dept. Physics & Astronomy, Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
School of Physics & Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
Centre for Astrophysics Research, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
Abstract
The formation of massive stars is an outstanding problem in stellar evolution. However, it is expected that they are (predominantly) born in hierarchical environments within massive young clusters, which in turn are located within larger star forming complexes that reflect the underlying structure of the natal molecular cloud. Initial observations of such regions suggest that multiple generations of stars and proto-stars are present, necessitating a multiwavelength approach to yield a full (proto-)stellar census; in this contribution we provide an overview of just such an observational approach for Galactic examples, focusing on the G305 complex.