High Energy Processes at the Earliest Stages of Massive Star Formation

We propose to observed with XMMNewton EPIC PN the youngest sites of high massstar formation. Recent ASCA observations suggest, that the earliest evolutionarystates of massive star formation are associated with hard Xray emission. Asystematic proof of this finding can only come from the superior sensitivity ofXMMNewton. The observations will allow us to identify the protostellar clustersand to identify the origin of the Xray emission, using the intrinsic energyresolution of the detectors. The energy production mechanism is up to nowentirely unexplored. The Xray observations will also allow us to study theimprint of Xrays on star formation and chemistry within dense molecular cores. truncated!, Please see actual data for full text [truncated!, Please see actual data for full text]