Spitzer/IRAC Young Stellar Objects Candidates in 30 Doradus

Abstract

We have analyzed several sets of images of the 30 Doradus (a massive Star Forming Region located in the Large Magellanic Cloud) obtained with the IRAC and MIPS cameras of the Spitzer Space Telescope. Our goal is to identify the youngest stars and even protostars in this region, either by their very red colors or by their photometric variability. In order to do this, we have cross-correlated the Spitzer photometry with data obtained at other wavelengths. We identify a set of ∼ 30 new candidate protostars, provide new data for some of the previous candidates, and attempt to place the new candidates in context. We have used these data to empirically place constraints on the physical processes that cause the photometric variability of high mass protostars.

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