Star formation in the Magellanic Clouds

The results of far-infrared and near-infrared mapping of several HII regions in the LMC and SMC are presented. The results of a continuing search for protostars using NIR techniques are also presented. The FIR map of N 159 shows strong 100 and 50 μm emission over the entire 2x4 arcmin2 area seen in Hα, with two major peaks closely coinciding with the 843 MHz radio map. A second new IR point source showing no evidence of ionizing radiation (protostar) has been found in N 159. Each protostar lies approx.30 off-centre on the steep gradient of each FIR peak. N 160A is nearly as luminous as N 159, but is far more compact. All four LMC HII regions studied in the FIR (N 159, N 160A, N 59A, N 158) produce more ionizing radiation than expected for their luminosity. (author)