Fire from Ice - Massive Star Birth from Infrared Dark Clouds

Abstract

I review massive star formation in our Galaxy, focusing on initial conditions in Infrared Dark Clouds (IRDCs), including the search for massive pre-stellar cores (PSCs), and modeling of later stages of massive protostars, i.e., hot molecular cores (HMCs). I highlight how developments in astrochemistry, coupled with rapidly improving theoretical/computational and observational capabilities are helping to improve our understanding of the complex process of massive star formation.

To appear in proceedings of IAU Symp. 322, Astrochemistry VII Through the Cosmos from Galaxies to Planets