Wanggi Lim

We present a spectral analysis of diffuse Galactic background emission using SPHEREx data in a pilot Galactic-plane field, where uncertainty in the estimation of the diffuse infrared background is a major source of systematic uncertainty in extinction studies at near- and mid-infrared wavelengths. We construct channel-resolved background maps across the 0.75–5 μ m range using a large median filter approach and then carry the extinction analysis forward only for the cleaner long-wavelength subset at λ ≥ 3 μ m. In the present field, comparison against an earlier masked-median background model gives a median channel-by-channel background difference of about 6% and a maximum change of ∣Δ τ _norm ∣ ≃ 7.4 near 3.205 μ m, underscoring the importance of wavelength-dependent background modeling. These results demonstrate that spectral mapping with SPHEREx provides a practical framework for controlling diffuse background systematics and enables improved constraints on dust opacity and extinction in the Galactic plane.

In this eighth paper of the Stratospheric Observatory For Infrared Astronomy-FORCAST series on Milky Way GH ii regions, we present an analysis of the massive star-forming complex W43 Main. We compared our 11–37 μ m maps with multiwavelength observations from the near-infrared to radio, and investigated the physical nature of compact sources and dust substructures. We applied spectral energy distribution fitting to constrain properties of the compact infrared objects, and examined the evolutionary states of the extended subregions. We identified 20 compact infrared objects, 16 (80%) of which we classify as massive young stellar object candidates (MYSOs) or candidate MYSOs. W43 Main resides at the junction of the Scutum spiral arm and the Galactic Bar, a location where enhanced turbulence is anticipated and has been proposed as a potential influence on star formation activity. Nevertheless, our analysis shows that its Lyman continuum photon production rate, the mass of its most massive MYSO, and its MYSO density are all consistent with the survey-wide median values. We therefore conclude that, despite W43 Main’s unique Galactic environment, its present star formation activity appears broadly consistent with that of an average Galactic GH ii region.

In this eighth paper of the SOFIA-FORCAST series on Milky Way GHII regions, we present an analysis of the massive star-forming complex W43 Main. We compared our 11 - 37 micron maps with multi-wavelength observations from the near-infrared to radio, and investigated the physical nature of compact sources and dust substructures. We applied SED fitting to constrain properties of the compact infrared objects, and examined the evolutionary states of the extended subregions. We identified 20 compact infrared objects, 16 (80%) of which we classify as massive young stellar objects (MYSOs) or candidate MYSOs. W43 Main resides at the junction of the Scutum spiral arm and the Galactic Bar, a location where enhanced turbulence is anticipated and has been proposed as a potential influence on star-formation activity. Nevertheless, our analysis shows that its Lyman continuum photon production rate, the mass of its most massive MYSO, and its MYSO density are all consistent with the survey-wide median values. We therefore conclude that, despite W43 Main's unique Galactic environment, its present star formation activity appears broadly consistent with that of an average Galactic GHII region.

This study examines the mid-infrared properties of Giant H ii (GH ii) regions in the Milky Way’s Central Molecular Zone (CMZ)—Sgr B1, Sgr B2, and Sgr C—using SOFIA-FORCAST imaging at 25 and 37 μm. It compares these mid-infrared data with previous multiwavelength observations to explore their present star formation activity and global properties. The study identifies 77 massive young stellar object (MYSO) candidates in and around the three regions. Sgr B2 appears to host the youngest MYSOs and have much higher extinction than the other regions, containing several radio sources not detected in the mid-infrared even at 37 μm. Meanwhile, cm radio continuum regions of Sgr B1 shows remarkable correspondence to its mid-infrared emission. Sgr C has fewer confirmed MYSOs, and it seems to have a higher fraction of low-mass young stellar objects and contamination from more evolved interloper/foreground stars. Derived MYSO densities are consistent with GH ii regions elsewhere in the Galactic plane, though the CMZ GH ii regions appear to have less prolific present star formation overall. Unlike Sgr B2, the cm continuum emission in Sgr B1 and Sgr C GH ii regions appears to be absent cold dust and molecular gas, suggesting environmental differences, possibly driven by turbulence and rapid dynamical changes near the Galactic center. Furthermore, unlike typical GH ii regions, Sgr B1 and Sgr C are significantly ionized by evolved interloper stars, which likely did not form within these regions. In these ways, Sgr B1 and Sgr C deviate from classical GH ii region behavior, thus potentially representing a new category of GH ii region or challenging their classification as GH ii regions.

This study examines the mid-infrared properties of Giant HII (GHII) regions in the Milky Way's Central Molecular Zone (CMZ) -- Sgr B1, Sgr B2, and Sgr C -- using SOFIA-FORCAST imaging at 25 and 37 microns. It compares these mid-infrared data with previous multi-wavelength observations to explore their present star formation activity and global properties. The study identifies 77 massive young stellar object (MYSO) candidates in and around the three regions. Sgr B2 appears to host the youngest MYSOs and have much higher extinction than the other regions, containing several radio sources not detected in the mid-infrared even at 37 microns. Meanwhile, cm radio continuum regions of Sgr B1 shows remarkable correspondence to its mid-infrared emission. Sgr C has fewer confirmed MYSOs, and seems to have a higher fraction of low-mass young stellar objects and contamination from more evolved interloper/foreground stars. Derived MYSO densities are consistent with GHII regions elsewhere in the Galactic plane, though the CMZ GHII regions appear to have less prolific present star formation overall. Unlike Sgr B2, the cm continuum emission in Sgr B1 and Sgr C GHII regions appears to be absent cold dust and molecular gas, suggesting environmental differences, possibly driven by turbulence and rapid dynamical changes near the Galactic Center. Furthermore, unlike typical GHII regions, Sgr B1 and Sgr C are significantly ionized by evolved interloper stars, which likely did not form within these regions. In these ways, Sgr B1 and Sgr C deviate from classical GHII region behavior, thus potentially representing a new category of GHII region or challenging their classification as GHII regions.

Magnetic fields may play a crucial role in setting the initial conditions of massive star and star cluster formation. To investigate this, we report SOFIA-HAWC+ 214 μm observations of polarized thermal dust emission and high-resolution GBT-Argus C¹⁸O(1-0) observations toward the massive Infrared Dark Cloud (IRDC) G28.37+0.07. Considering the local dispersion of B-field orientations, we produce a map of the B-field strength of the IRDC, which exhibits values between ∼0.03 and 1 mG based on a refined Davis–Chandrasekhar–Fermi method proposed by Skalidis & Tassis. Comparing to a map of inferred density, the IRDC exhibits a B–n relation with a power-law index of 0.51 ± 0.02, which is consistent with a scenario of magnetically regulated anisotropic collapse. Consideration of the mass-to-flux ratio map indicates that magnetic fields are dynamically important in most regions of the IRDC. A virial analysis of a sample of massive, dense cores in the IRDC, including evaluation of magnetic and kinetic internal and surface terms, indicates consistency with virial equilibrium, sub-Alfvénic conditions, and a dominant role for B-fields in regulating collapse. A clear alignment of magnetic field morphology with the direction of the steepest column density gradient is also detected. However, there is no preferred orientation of protostellar outflow directions with the B-field. Overall, these results indicate that magnetic fields play a crucial role in regulating massive star and star cluster formation, and therefore they need to be accounted for in theoretical models of these processes.

We present our sixth set of results from our mid-infrared imaging survey of Milky Way Giant H ii regions with our detailed analysis of NGC 3603, the most luminous giant H ii (GH ii) region in the Galaxy. We used imaging data from the FORCAST instrument on the Stratospheric Observatory For Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) at 20 and 37 μm, which mapped the central ∼8.′5 × 8.′5 infrared-emitting area of NGC 3603 at a spatial resolution of ≲3″. Utilizing these SOFIA data in conjunction with multiwavelength observations from the near-infrared to radio, including Spitzer-IRAC and Herschel-PACS archival data, we investigate the physical nature of individual infrared sources and subcomponents within NGC 3603. For individual compact sources, we used the multiwavelength photometry data to construct spectral energy distributions (SEDs) and fit them with massive young stellar object (MYSO) SED models, and find 14 sources that are likely to be MYSOs. We also detect dust emission from the 3 massive proplyd candidates, as well as from the disk and outflow of the evolved blue supergiant, Sher 25. Utilizing multiwavelength data, we derived luminosity-to-mass ratio and virial parameters for the star-forming clumps within NGC 3603, estimating their relative ages and finding that NGC 3603 is an older GH ii region overall, compared to our previously studied GH ii regions. We discuss how NGC 3603, which we categorize as a cavity-type GH ii region, exhibits a more modest number of MYSOs and molecular clumps when compared to the distributed-type GH ii regions that share similar Lyman continuum photon rates.

We present our sixth set of results from our mid-infrared imaging survey of Milky Way Giant HII regions with our detailed analysis of NGC 3603, the most luminous GHII region in the Galaxy. We used imaging data from the FORCAST instrument on the Stratospheric Observatory For Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) at 20 and 37 microns which mapped the central ~8.5'x8.5' infrared-emitting area of NGC 3603 at a spatial resolution of <~3". Utilizing these SOFIA data in conjunction with multi-wavelength observations from the near-infrared to radio, including Spitzer-IRAC and Herschel-PACS archival data, we investigate the physical nature of individual infrared sources and sub-components within NGC 3603. For individual compact sources we used the multi-wavelength photometry data to construct spectral energy distributions (SEDs) and fit them with massive young stellar object (MYSO) SED models, and find 14 sources that are likely to be MYSOs. We also detect dust emission from the 3 massive proplyd candidates, as well as from the disk and outflow of the evolved blue supergiant, Sher 25. Utilizing multi-wavelength data, we derived luminosity-to-mass ratio and virial parameters for the star-forming clumps within NGC 3603, estimating their relative ages and finding that NGC 3603 is an older GHII region overall, compared to our previously studied GHII regions. We discuss how NGC 3603, which we categorize as a 'cavity-type' GHII region, exhibits a more modest number of MYSOs and molecular clumps when compared to the 'distributed-type' GHII regions that share similar Lyman continuum photon rates.

We present our fifth set of results from our mid-infrared imaging survey of Milky Way Giant H ii (GH ii) regions with our detailed analysis of DR7 and K3-50. We obtained 20/25 and 37 μm imaging maps of both regions using the FORCAST instrument on the Stratospheric Observatory For Infrared Astronomy. We investigate the multiscale properties of DR7 and K3-50 using our data in conjunction with previous multiwavelength observations. Near- to far-infrared spectral energy distributions of individual compact infrared sources were constructed and fitted with massive young stellar object (MYSO) models. We find eight out of the ten (80%) compact sources in K3-50 and three out of the four (75%) sources in DR7 are likely to be MYSOs. We derived luminosity-to-mass ratios of the extended radio subregions of DR7 and K3-50 to estimate their relative ages. The large spread in evolutionary state for the subregions in K3-50 likely indicates that the star-forming complex has undergone multiple star-forming events separated more widely in time, whereas the smaller spread in DR7 likely indicates the star formation subregions are more co-eval. DR7 and K3-50 have Lyman continuum photon rates just above the formal threshold criterion for being categorized as a GH ii region (10⁵⁰ photons s⁻¹) but with large enough errors that this classification is uncertain. By measuring other observational characteristics in the infrared, we find that K3-50 has properties more akin to previous bona fide GH ii regions we have studied, whereas DR7 has values more like those of the non-GH ii regions we have previously studied.

We present our fifth set of results from our mid-infrared imaging survey of Milky Way Giant HII (GHII) regions with our detailed analysis of DR7 and K3-50. We obtained 20/25 and 37um imaging maps of both regions using the FORCAST instrument on the Stratospheric Observatory For Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA). We investigate the multi-scale properties of DR7 and K3-50 using our data in conjunction with previous multi-wavelength observations. Near to far-infrared spectral energy distributions of individual compact infrared sources were constructed and fitted with massive young stellar object (MYSO) models. We find eight out of the ten (80%) compact sources in K3-50 and three out of the four (75%) sources in DR7 are likely to be MYSOs. We derived luminosity-to-mass ratios of the extended radio sub-regions of DR7 and K3-50 to estimate their relative ages. The large spread in evolutionary state for the sub-regions in K3-50 likely indicates that the star-forming complex has undergone multiple star-forming events separated more widely in time, whereas the smaller spread in DR7 likely indicates the star formation sub-regions are more co-eval. DR7 and K3-50 have Lyman continuum photon rates just above the formal threshold criterion for being categorized as a GHII region (10^50 photons/s) but with large enough errors that this classification is uncertain. By measuring other observational characteristics in the infrared, we find that K3-50 has properties more akin to previous bona fide GHII regions we have studied, whereas DR7 has values more like those of the non-GHII regions we have previously studied.