Star-forming regions in the small magellanic cloud: Multiwavelength properties of stellar complexes

We trace the star formation regions in the SMC and study their properties. The size and spatial distribution of these regions are found to support the hierarchical scenario of star formation, and an evaluation of their intensity contributes to the understanding of the various stages of star formation. Their connection to the LMC-SMC close encounter about (0: 9Y2); 10(8) yr ago is investigated as well. The SMC, being almost edge-on, does not easily reveal these areas, as is the case with the LMC. However, a study through multiwavelength (e. g., optical, IR, and radio) images has proved very useful. A selection of areas, with enhanced 60 and 100 mu m IR flux and emission in all IRAS bands, identifies the star-forming regions. All of the identified regions are dominated by early-type stars, and considering their overall size ( in increasing order) a total of 24 aggregates, 23 complexes, and 3 supercomplexes were found. We present their coordinates, dimensions, and IR fluxes. Moreover, we correlate their positions with known associations, supernova remnants, and H II regions and discuss their activity.