The following document lists the file abstract/FSIBILLE_EXSULMST.abs
from catalogue VI/111.
A plain copy of the file
(without headers/trailers) may be downloaded.
The goal is to obtain a reliable determination of source counts and luminosity functions for low-mass, very young and embedded objects associated with a number of relatively nearby, well- known molecular clouds. The proposed PHT-C100 observations at 60 micron concern the same areas to be surveyed with CAM in two filters (LW2: 5-8.5 microns and LW3: 12-18 microns) as part of the GT programme. They are required to determine the luminosities of the CAM-detected objects with energy distributions rising steeply towards the infrared (Class I objects). The achievable 10 sigma point source sensitivity of about .1 Jy is twice lower than the flux predicted to be emitted by a CAM-detected (10 sigma) Class I object of luminosity as low as a few x 10-3 Lo (assumed distance: 150 pc). Together, the PHT-C100 and the CAM programmes will result in a homogenous and large data base (likely to remain unique for the next 10-20 years) of vital importance for the understanding of the formation and early evolution of small stars. Although based on uncertain assumptions and boundary conditions, existing theories of low-mass star formation indicate that the relative number of accreting protostars at any time could be quite small. The source counts resulting from the proposed PHT-C100 observations may therefore also be small, but this type of validation data is urgently needed for further progress to be made. The explorative nature of the proposed observations must therefore be recognized and fully appreciated.