Speaker: Dr. Yasuo Fukui, Nagoya University, JAPAN
Abstract: I will present the molecular image of the Magellanic Clouds obtained with NANTEN 4m telescope and other telescopes at mm/sub-mm wavelengths and discuss molecular cloud properties and star formation. The Magellanic Clouds are ideal nearby galaxies where we are able to have a comprehensive and uniform sample of star formatting regions. Previous studies with NANTEN revealed that the molecular clouds are classified into three types, Type I no O star formation, Type II limited O star formation and Type III most active cluster formation, and that the total lifetime of a giant molecular clouds are ~30Myrs. Recent sub-mm data allow us to reveal dense clumps within these molecular clouds and tell us how gas condense to form clusters. The Spitzer SAGE program offers a sample of less luminous young stars associated with the molecular clouds. We also learn how lower density HI gas is accumulating onto the molecular clouds by making a 3-dim comparison between CO and HI. I will use these results to make a comprehensive view of star formation in a galaxy.