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Massive young stars dynamically modify their surroundings, altering their stellar nurseries and the gas that exists between stars. With my research, I assess the modification of the Galactic magnetic field within HII regions and stellar bubbles associated with OB stars. Because HII regions are plasmas, magnetic fields should be important to the dynamics of the region. Understanding how the magnetic field is modified in these structures is critical for inputs to simulations and for assessing stellar feedback. To obtain information on the properties of the magnetic field, I measure the Faraday rotation of linearly polarized radio waves that pass through the plasma of the HII region. In this thesis, I present results of Faraday rotation studies of two Galactic \HII regions. The first is the Rosette Nebula (l = 206 deg, b = -1.2 deg), and the second is IC 1805 (l = 135 deg, b = 0.9 deg), which is associated with the W4 Superbubble. I measure positive rotation measure (RM) values in excess of +40 to +1200 rad m^-2 due to the shell of the Rosette nebula and a background RM of +147 rad m^-2 due to the general interstellar medium in this area of the Galactic plane. In the area of IC 1805, I measure negative RM values between +600 and --800 rad m^-2 due to the HII region. The sign of the RM across each HII region is consistent with the expected polarity of the large-scale Galactic magnetic field that follows the Perseus spiral arm in the clockwise direction, as suggested by Van Eck et al. (2011, ApJ, 728, 14). I find that the Rosette Nebula and IC 1805 constitute a "Faraday rotation anomaly", or a region of increased RM relative to the general Galactic background value. Although the RM observed on lines of sight through the region vary substantially, the |RM| due to the nebula is commonly 100 -- 1000 rad m^-2. In spite of this, the observed RMs are not as large as simple, analytic models of magnetic field amplification in HII regions (such as by magnetic flux conservation in a swept-up shell) might indicate. This suggests that the Galactic field is not increased by a substantial factor within the ionized gas in an HII region. Finally, these results show intriguing indications that some of the largest values of |RM| occur for lines of sight that pass outside the fully ionized shell of the IC 1805 HII region, but pass through the Photodissociation Region (PDR) associated with IC 1805.

A sample of 9 small-diameter radio sources has been selected from the Molonglo Galactic Plane Survey (MGPS) and observed with the Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA) in the radio recombination line (RRL) at 5 GHz, in a search for young Galactic SNRs. Since the RRL emission is an unambiguous indicator of a thermal source, this method has been used to eliminate HII regions from the selected sample. In addition, the IRAS and MSX infrared data and spectral index measurements have been combined with the RRL studies to distinguish thermal and non-thermal sources in the selected sample. One source (G282.8-1.2) is identified here as a possible new young Galactic supernova remnant, based on its relatively weak infrared emission, steep radio spectrum and possible x-ray emission. However, the ATCA data are inconclusive and further studies are needed to confirm this result. Radio recombination line emission (H107 alpha) has been detected in 3 of the selected sources, eliminating them from the sample of SNR candidates. In addition, the parameters of the RRL emission from the identified HII regions have been used to estimate their properties. The RRL data are inconclusive for the remaining low brightness, extended sources in the sample. However, some of these sources are likely to be thermal HII regions according to the infrared and spectral index data. The selected method for distinguishing thermal and non-thermal Galactic radio sources seems promising. The selected ATCA configuration was appropriate for imaging relatively bright, compact sources, but a slightly modified observing technique is needed to successfully image low surface brightness, extended sources.

A sample of 9 small-diameter radio sources has been selected from the Molonglo Galactic Plane Survey (MGPS) and observed with the Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA) in the radio recombination line (RRL) at 5 GHz, in a search for young Galactic SNRs. Since the RRL emission is an unambiguous indicator of a thermal source, this method has been used to eliminate HII regions from the selected sample. In addition, the IRAS and MSX infrared data and spectral index measurements have been combined with the RRL studies to distinguish thermal and non-thermal sources in the selected sample. One source (G282.8-1.2) is identified here as a possible new young Galactic supernova remnant, based on its relatively weak infrared emission, steep radio spectrum and possible x-ray emission. However, the ATCA data are inconclusive and further studies are needed to confirm this result. Radio recombination line emission (H107 alpha) has been detected in 3 of the selected sources, eliminating them from the sample of SNR candidates. In addition, the parameters of the RRL emission from the identified HII regions have been used to estimate their properties. The RRL data are inconclusive for the remaining low brightness, extended sources in the sample. However, some of these sources are likely to be thermal HII regions according to the infrared and spectral index data. The selected method for distinguishing thermal and non-thermal Galactic radio sources seems promising. The selected ATCA configuration was appropriate for imaging relatively bright, compact sources, but a slightly modified observing technique is needed to successfully image low surface brightness, extended sources.

Massive stars are powerful energetic sources shaping their surrounding interstellar medium, which is often swept up into a cold dense shell. If the shell fragments and forms a new generation of massive stars, the stars may form new shells, and this sequence repeats recursively leading to propagating star formation. Using three dimensional hydrodynamic simulations, we investigate fragmentation of the shell in order to estimate masses of stars formed in the shell. We develop a new numerical method to calculate the gravitational potential, which enables us to approximate a part of the shell with a plane-parallel layer. Our main results are as follows. Firstly, we compare our numerical calculations to several analytical theories for shell fragmentation, constrain the parameter space of their validity, and discuss the origin of their limitations. Secondly, we report a new qualita- tively different mode of fragmentation - the coalescence driven collapse. While layers with low pressure confinement form monolithically collapsing fragments, layers with high pressure confinement firstly break into stable fragments, which subsequently coalesce. And thirdly, we study whether layers tend to self-organise and form regular patterns as was suggested in literature, and we find no evidence for this conjecture. Based on our...

En esta Tesis presento un estudio espectroscópico detallado de una muestra de Regiones Hii Gigantes en galaxias observables con telescopios del Hemisferio Sur. Las Regiones Hii Gigantes proveen el vínculo entre regiones de formación estelar de menor escala y los violentos procesos de formación estelar que ocurren en las galaxias con brotes estelares intensos. Las Regiones Hii Gigantes (GHiiRs, de sus siglas en inglés) son objetos extendidos y luminosos, observados en los discos de galaxias espirales, irregulares y galaxias enanas compactas azules (BCDs, de su sigla en inglés). Las GHiiRs se forman debido a la presencia de un gran número de estrellas jóvenes y masivas cuyo flujo ultravioleta ioniza el gas que las rodea, y por lo tanto estas regiones indican una presencia de formación estelar violenta reciente o activa. El principal objetivo de este trabajo de Tesis es confirmar la presencia de Regiones Hii Gigantes en galaxias del Universo Local y realizar un estudio comparativo de GHiiRs con distintas metalicidades y estados evolutivos. La identificación de Regiones Hii Gigantes fue posible realizarla mediante espectroscopía de alta resolución, la cual me ha permitido distinguir la presencia de distintas componentes cinem áticas en el gas ionizado, con diferentes velocidades y verificar la naturaleza supersónica de dichas componentes. Definir la naturaleza y condiciones físicas de los brotes de formación estelar masiva permite analizar las abundancias químicas que producen el enriquecimiento químico del Universo Local. Para poder caracterizar los procesos físicos que gobiernan la formación estelar masiva es necesario estudiar un variado rango de entornos y propiedades. Gracias al amplio rango espectral y la buena calidad de los datos he llevado adelante el estudio de las propiedades físicas del gas ionizado. El estudio de los parámetros físicos tales como densidad, temperatura, composición química, etc., comprende el análisis de las intensidades relativas de las líneas de emisión del gas. Este tipo de análisis resulta esencial para poder mejorar el estudio de brotes de formación estelar detectados a distancias cosmológicas. En esta Tesis se presenta el estudio realizado en seis regiones brillantes de las galaxias espirales, NGC6070 y NGC7479, y en cinco brotes de formación estelar de la galaxia enana compacta azul Haro 15. En el Capítulo 1 presento una breve introducción de las propiedades generales de las Regiones Hii Gigantes y del conocimiento que se tiene sobre este tipo de objetos. En el Capítulo 2 propongo un método para proceder a un análisis detallado de la cinemática en aquellas regiones que presentan más de una componente revelada cinemáticamente en los espectros de alta resolución. En ese capítulo presento el análisis cinemático de las seis regiones estudiadas en las dos galaxias espirales y se analiza cómo la presencia de múltiples componentes cinemáticas incluye en la ubicación final en el plano L-. En el Capítulo 3 presento un análisis cinemático utilizando una metodología similar que en el capítulo anterior, pero ahora enfocado en los brotes de formación estelar violentos de la galaxia BCD Haro 15. Del análisis cinemático detallado en los brotes estudiados con más de una componente, se deriva el estudio de las propiedades físicas y abundancias químicas presentado en el Capítulo 4. En este capítulo, sumado a los datos espectroscópicos de alta resolución, presento datos de baja resolución espectral observados en la misma galaxia. Aplicando el método propuesto por el Grupo de Astrofísica del Departamento de Física Teórica de la Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, España (UAM), para la determinación de los parámetros físicos y abundancias, a partir de un programa generado por dicho grupo, realicé un cuidadoso y detallado estudio sobre las propiedades físicas, y abundancias químicas iónicas y totales del gas ionizado discriminado para cada componente cinemática y para el flujo global de las líneas de emisión. En el Capítulo 5 se presentan las conclusiones finales de la Tesis, haciendo un conciso resumen sobre los aportes más signi cativos, y se describen las líneas de trabajo a futuro que se pueden plantear como continuación de lo aquí expuesto.

The object of this dissertation is to provide an observational study of the effects of interstellar magnetic fields on star-formation regions. This is part of a long-standing research project that uses the techniques of radio astronomy to measure magnetic field strengths in the interstellar medium of our galaxy. Interstellar magnetic fields are believed to play a crucial role in the star-formation process therefore a comprehensive study of magnetic fields is necessary in understanding the origins of stars. These projects use observational data obtained from the Very Large Array (VLA) in Socorro, NM. The data reveal interstellar magnetic field strengths via the Zeeman effect in radio frequency spectral lines. This information provides an estimate of the magnetic energy in star-forming interstellar clouds in the Galaxy, and comparisons can be made with these energies and the energies of self-gravitation and internal motions. From these comparisons, a better understanding of the role of magnetic fields in the origins of stars will emerge. The regions observed include the giant molecular clouds and star-forming regions of Cygnus X and NGC 6334. NGC 6334 A is a compact HII region at the center of what is believed to be a large, rotating molecular torus (based on studies by Kramer et al. (1997)). This is a continuing study based on initial measurements of the HI and OH Zeeman effect (Sarma et al. (2000)). The current study includes OH observations performed by the VLA at a higher spatial resolution than previously published data, and allows for a better analysis of the spatial variations of the magnetic field. A new model of the region is also developed based on OH opacity studies, dust continuum maps, radio spectral lines, and infrared (IR) maps. The VLA has been used to study the Zeeman effect in the 21cm HI line seen in absorption against radio sources in the Cygnus-X region. These sources are mostly galactic nebulae or HII regions, and are bright and compact in this region of the spectrum. HI absorption lines are strong against these regions and the VLA is capable of detecting the weak Zeeman effect within them.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The aim of this work had to estimate the physical proprieties of the HII region NGC 346 (belonging the Small Magellanic Cloud) and the estimation of electron density at point-to-point to 17 other ionized nebulae, in Magellanic Cloud. We were used spectroscopic images of a long split with high signal noise in the optical region, at red (6 000 to 7 000 °A), and at blue (4 000 to 5 000 °A), this only for NGC 346. The [Oiii] (λ4959+λ5007)/λ4363 emission line ratio was used like electron temperature sensor, and for electron density we used the [S ii] λ6716/λ6731 emission line ratio. For NGC 346, we found a relative homogeneity to distribution of electron temperature, with an average weighted by the Hβ flux of 12 269 K (equivalent to a dispersion of 6,1%). We estimated the spatial temperature fluctuation t2s ≈ 0, 0021 (equivalent to a dispersion of 4,5%), and the temperature fluctuation parameter of 0,0082 (9,2% of dispersion). The magnitude of the temperature fluctuations observed is in agreement with the large scale variations in temperature predicted by standard photoionization models, but is too low to explain the abundance discrepancy problem. By contrast, we found a mean value weighted by the Hα flux for the electron density of 54,18 cm−3 with a dispersion of 13,5%. For the others HII regions studied, we obtained a individual mean electron density relatively low, less than 100 cm−3 for most of the objects and some positions on 30 Doradus. Some profiles have a roughly Gaussian shape for the density distribution, that suggest a free expansion of ionized gas into the interstellar medium, such as the profile of LMC: N160 A (both positions) and SMC: N88 (PA = 90o). A gradient of electron density could indicate the existence of champagne effect, we indentified a light gradient of density on 30 Doradus (PA = 10o and 24o) and LMC: N11 E profiles. Moreover, a variation abruptly in electron density can be understood by the braking action of the ionized gas in its movement toward a molecular cloud. This was evidenced on 30 Doradus (PA = 26o and 10o), LMC: N4 A, LMC: N11 B, SMC: N81, SMC: N83 A,C (both positions) and SMC: N88 (PA = 106o) profiles. These objects stand out as a target for more detailed studies for the greater understanding of the dynamic structures of ionized nebulae. / O objetivo desse trabalho foi estimar as propriedades físicas da região HII NGC 346 (pertencente a Pequena Nuvens de Magalhães) e a estimativa de densidade eletrônica ponto-a-ponto para outras 17 nebulosas ionizadas, tanto da Grande quanto da Pequena Nuvem de Magalhães. Foram utilizadas imagens espectroscópicas de fenda longa com alto sinal ruído na região do vermelho (6 000 a 7 000 °A), e do azul (4 000 a 5 000 °A) apenas para NGC 346, ambas as regiões no ótico. O sensor de temperatura eletrônica utilizado foi a razão de linhas do [Oiii] (λ4959 + λ5007)/λ4363, a densidade eletrônica foi obtida por meio da razão de linhas do [S ii] λ6716/λ6731. Para NGC 346 tem-se que os valores de temperatura eletrônica foram relativamente homogêneos, com média ponderada por fluxo em Hβ de 12 269 K (6,1% de dispersão). As flutuações superficiais de temperatura foram de t2s ≈ 0, 0021 (dispersão de 4,5%), e o parâmetro de flutuações de temperatura (t2) de aproximadamente 0,0082 (dispersão de 9,2%). Os resultados obtidos para a baixa dispersão de temperatura eletrônica e flutuações superficiais de temperatura concordam com os valores das variações em larga escala dos modelos de fotoionização. Contudo, tais resultados são insuficientes para explicar o problema da discrepância dos valores de abundância química. A dispersão de densidade eletrônica foi de 13,5% da média ponderada pelo fluxo em Hα (54,18 cm−3). Para as demais regiões HII estudadas obteve-se uma densidade eletrônica mediana individual relativamente baixa, menor que 100 cm−3 para a maioria dos objetos e algumas posições sobre 30 Doradus. Observa-se que alguns perfis apresentam uma forma aproximadamente gaussiana para a distribuição de densidade, sugerindo uma expansão livre do gás ionizado no meio interestelar, como exemplo tem-se os perfis de GNM: N160 A (ambas posições) e PNM: N88 (PA = 90o). A ocorrência de um gradiente de densidade eletrônica nos perfis pode indicar a existência do efeito champagne, um leve gradiente pôde ser percebido para 30 Doradus (PA = 10o e 24o) e GNM: N11 E. Ou ainda, uma queda abrupta na densidade eletrônica também sugere a existência de tal efeito, pois esta queda abrupta pode ser entendida pela ação de freamento do gás ionizado em seu movimento em direção a uma nuvem molecular. Esta ocorrência foi evidenciada nos perfis de 30 Doradus (PA = 26o e 10o), GNM: N4 A, GNM: N11 B, PNM: N81, PNM: N83 A,C (ambas posições) e PNM: N88 (PA = 106o). Estes objetos se destacam como alvo para estudos mais detalhados para o maior compreendimento das estruturas dinâmicas de nebulosas ionizadas.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / An observational study was accomplished about the range of eletron density in the HIIregion NGC 2579 and estimate its distance from the 8un and from the centre of the Galaxy. Long slit spectrophotometric data with high noise signal in the 6000 to 7000 Á were obtained by using the 1.60 m telescope of the Laboratório Nacional de Astrofísica LNA), MG. We observed the Hllregion at 15 distinct positions in the direetion North-8outh; the distance among the slit's positions was 5", the size of the slit was 5.63' and its orientation-was East-West. Photometry was used in the BVR filters on 0.60 m telescope of the LNA, and the U and nebulars filters, centred in HQ and 6450 Á on 1.50 telescope of the Observatório Astronômico Nacional, 8an Pedro Mártir, México. Unidimendionals spectra were extracted by each bidimensional speetrum with sectors of size 5" in the direction East- West. The electron density was estimate by [811] ()'6716 / ),6731) line ratio, which showed a variation from 1 900 em -3, in eenter of the H 11 region, to 70 cm -3, in the edge of the nebula. Through the data obtained, it was possible to build a eletron density map, with space resolution of 5" x 5", it suggesting a strong gradient of eletron density, characterized as the ehampange effect in the H 11 region NGC 2579. An HQ map was built and, throught the shift owing to Doppler effect, it was possible to compute the velocity in each point over NGC 2579 and build a radial velocity map, both have a space resolution of 5" x 5". An additional result showed that the Hllregion NGC 2579 is formed by two ionized gas mass, one more bright central nebulosity and a nebulosity with less brightness at southeast of the first. In the photometry, we found the visual aparent magnitude (V) and the colors (U-B) and (B- V) for the ionizing stars of the nebula. Finally, we used three differents methods to compute the distance of the H 11 region. We found the heliocentric distance ranging from 7.11 to 10.53 kpc, and the distance from the Galactic center ranging from 12.44 to 15.18 kpc depending on the methods used. / Realizou-se um estudo observacional sobre a variação da densidade eletrônica na região HlI NGC 2579 e a estimativa de sua distância em relação ao Sol e ao centro Galáctico. Medidas espectrofotométricas de fenda longa de alto sinal de ruído na faixa de 6000 a 7000 A foram obtidas utilizando o espectrógrafo Cassegrain acoplado ao telescópio de 1,60 m do Laboratório Nacional de Astrofísica, MG. Foram feitas observações em 15 posições ao longo da direção Norte-Sul com espaçamento de 5", utilizando a fenda de 5,63' orientada na direção Leste-Oeste. Utilizaram-se imagens fotométricas nos filtros BVR, obtidas com o telecópio de 0,60 m do Laboratório Nacional de Astrofísica, MG, e imagens nos filtros U e nebulares, centrados em Ha e em 6450 A, com o telescópio de 1,50 m de diâmetro do Observatório Astronômico Nacional, San Pedro Mártir, México. De cada espectro bidimensional, foram extraídos espectros unidimensionais de setores de 5" ao longo da direção Leste-Oeste. Como senso r de densidade eletrônica, utilizou-se a razão de linhas [S lI] (,X6716j À6731), obtendo-se um valor para a densidade eletrônica variando de 1 900 cm -3, no centro da região HlI, a 70 cm-3, nas partes mais externas da nebulosa. Desta forma, foi obtido um mapa de densidade eletrônica em NGC 2579 com resolução espacial de 5" x 5", sugerindo um forte gradiente de densidade eletrônica, caracterizado como efeito champagne na região HlI NGC 2579. Foi construído um mapa de Ha e, através do deslocamento devido ao efeito Doppler, estimou-se a velocidade em cada ponto, gerando-se um mapa de _distribuição de velocidade em NGC 2579, ambos com a mesma resolução espacial de 5" x 5". Como resultado adicional, verificou-se que a região HlI NGC 2579 é composta por duas massas de gás ionizadas, uma central e mais brilhante e a outa menor e com menor brilho, a sudeste da primeira. Como resultado fotométrico foram obtidas a magnitude visual (V) e as cores (U-B) e (B- V) para as estrelas ionizantes da nebulosa. E, finalmente, três métodos foram utilizados para a estimativa de distância, encontrando-se a distância heliocêntrica variando de 7,11 kpc a 10,53 kpc, e a distância ao centro da Via Láctea variando de 12,44 a 15,18 kpc, conforme o método utilizado.