Spectra of Massive Young Stars in the Cygnus-X Complex

We propose to use the IRS to obtain 5-40 um spectra of a sample of massive stars that are forming in the Cygnus-X region. Cygnus-X is the richest known region in IR-luminous and IR-quiet massive protostars within 2 kpc, and thus is a unique laboratory to study the poorly constrained early stages of massive star formation. The sample will be selected mainly from MSX sources and IR-quiet millimeter continuum sources, and will contain objects with a range of masses and at various stages of evolution. These data will enable us to determine how the properties of these massive stars change as they evolve towards the main sequence. We will also be able to examine the effects that these stars are having on their surroundings, including outflows into the nearby ISM and also in triggering further star formation.