New Insights into Star Formation in Giant Molecular Cloud G148.24+00.41

A recent near-infrared study has provided new insights into the star formation activities within the giant molecular cloud G148.24+00.41. The research, conducted using the TANSPEC instrument on the 3.6 m Devasthal Optical Telescope, focused on the newly hatched cluster FSR 655 located at the hub of the cloud. This region, identified as the most massive clump within the cloud, was examined over a central area of 2 parsecs by 2 parsecs.

The study, led by Vineet Rawat and colleagues, determined that the cluster is approximately 0.5 million years old. This age estimation was achieved by analyzing the Ks-band luminosity function and comparing it with synthetic clusters. The cluster's current mass is around 180 solar masses, and it is forming stars at a rate of 330 solar masses per million years with an efficiency of 20%.