A LARGE SCALE VIEW OF MOLECULAR GAS AND DUST TOWARDS CLOUD D IN THE VELA MOLECULAR RIDGE

摘要

We present large scale mm observations with the SEST both in the CO(1-0) transition and in the 1.2 mm continuum of an area of roughly 1 square degree within the cloud D of the Vela Molecular Ridge. This region has been known to host several embedded young star clusters. The observations show a filamentary structure with a few dense molecular cores associated with the star clusters. Its turbulent nature is suggested by shell-like gas distribution evidenced both in the integrated emission line maps and in the velocity-position diagrams. A comparison with the location of 2MASS sources unveiles diffuse star formation occurring within the filaments.