Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1994

Abstract

We have completed a multiband absorption- and emission-line study of a star embedded in the young cluster IC 348, to determine the environmental effect of star formation on the interstellar medium (ISM) local to the region. The hottest and youngest star in IC 348 is BD+31°643, a B5 V star which samples the inner bright nebular region. The nearby star o Per, which lies only 8 to the north and is thought to lie beyond IC 348, samples the gas and dust which has not been processed by very recent star formation. We speculate that the ISM throughout the region was originally the same as that currently seen toward o Per, but now the contrasting environmental conditions due to the recent star formation have led to marked differences in the atomic, molecular, and dust characteristics of IC 348. These contrasts include what we have termed a ``composite'' UV extinction curve for BD+31°643, evidence for enhanced density and enhanced depletions within IC 348 and very different molecular abundances in the interstellar sightline to BD+31°643. Toward BD+31°643, we find a higher column density of CH, but lower CN and very much higher CH + than measured toward o Per. We conclude that the physical and chemical state of the gas and dust has been altered by local processes and conditions within IC 348. The characteristics of the ISM in IC 348, via our study of the star BD+31°643, closely resemble those seen toward Oph, another sight line passing through a bright nebular region. However, the stars are not as hot in IC 348 as in Ophiuchus, so their effect on the local ISM is not as severe.

Journal Name

Astrophys. J.

Comments

Copyright 1994 American Astronomical Society

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