Star formation in the vicinity of the SNR W44

ORTEGA M.E., CICHOWOLSKI S., CASTELLETTI G., DUBNER G.

Malargue, Mendoza, Argentina

Congreso; 50a Reunión de la Asociación Argentina de Astronomía; 2007

IAFE, Observatorio Pierre Auger

We have analyzed the vicinity of the supernova remnant (SNR) W44 looking for signatures of star formation processes. A molecular cloud, and HII region, and three young stellar object cadidates, overlap the SE edge of the remnant. HI absorption spectra confirm that W44 and the HII region are located at the same distance of ~2.9 kpc. The age limits derived for the HII region (10^5 - 3x10^6 yr) are compatible with star forming processes in a primitive stage occurring in the area. The connection with the SNR, however, is not evident.