2007/11/27 by Thomas Robitaille, Thomas P. Robitaille, Robitaille, Thomas P.
Physics and Astronomy · #Astrophysics (astro-ph) #Astrophysics and Star Formation Studies #FOS: Physical sciences #Scientific Research and Discoveries #Stellar, planetary, and galactic studies #astro-ph
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.0711.4369
8 Pages, 3 Figures, to appear in the proceedings for "Massive Star Formation: Observations confront Theory 2007"
arxiv created 2007/11/27 · openalex publication_date 2007/11/27 · arxiv updated 2009/12/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
In this contribution, I review the applications and potential limitations of the spectral energy distribution fitting tool that I have developed, with a strong emphasis on the limits to which this tool can be used to improve our understanding of massive star formation. I discuss why our current grid of models cannot be used to distinguish between the several competing theories of massive star formation. I also discuss stellar mass determinations, artificial correlations between parameters in the grid of models, multiplicity, confusion, dust assumptions, and unique fits. I briefly review the improvements we intend to carry out for our next grid of models, which will eliminate many of these limitations. Finally, I show examples of applications of this tool to massive young stars.