iras data opened completely new possibilities to address the question of bolometric luminosity functions in star forming regions. the iras sensitivity limits the studies to objects with l_bol > 0.1 l_sun. with iso it is possible to reach much lower flux levels. therefore iso gives an access to stellar objects of the lowest masses and to brown dwarves. while it is most difficult to resolve the true nature of an individual very low mass object, statistical means can be used to examine the physical nature of a group of low mass stars. we want to use bolometric luminosity function as such a diagnostic tool. we have specifically selected regions claimed to form the lowest mass stars in the solar neighbourhood: lupus 3 and globules in the taurus filaments. iso mapping of these regions at 7, 16 and 60 microns is essential in recovering the bolometric luminosities of the low mass objects. in addition, our three wavelength survey will discover more luminous members which are too embedded to be seen with ground-based facilities. the deduced bolometric luminosity functions can be directly compared with existing theoretical models. this way we can address some of the most basic questions of astrophysics: time scales involved in star formation and initial mass function. it is most important to dedicate survey type time to the closest star forming regions. there is only a limited number of star forming clouds within 150 pc of the sun. if we want to understand formation of the very lowest mass objects, these are the regions to be observed with iso.
Instrument
CAM01 , PHT22
Temporal Coverage
1996-02-06T09:09:04Z/1998-03-09T00:50:16Z
Version
1.0
Mission Description
The Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) was the worlds first true orbiting infrared observatory. Equipped with four highly-sophisticated and versatile scientific instruments, it was launched by Ariane in November 1995 and provided astronomers world-wide with a facility of unprecedented sensitivity and capabilities for a detailed exploration of the Universe at infrared wavelengths.
European Space Agency, PRUSTI et al., 1999, 'BOLOMETRIC LUMINOSITY FUNCTIONS OF NEAR BY STAR FORMING REGIONS', 1.0, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-tjka7us
