A Quantitative Analysis of the Clustering around Intermediate-Mass Pre-Main Sequence Stars

The study of intermediate-mass pre-main sequence stars (Herbig Ae/Be stars) o?ers the possibility a more complete picture of star formation theory by bridging the gap between high and low mass star formation regimes. The clustering around Herbig Ae/Be stars has been studied by other groups, most notably Testi et al. (1999). We present preliminary results from a survey of Herbig Ae/Be stars using the Two Micron All-Sky Survey Point Source Catalog (2MASS PSC). From our results, we present implications for comparing results to and improving the analysis of the Testi et al. survey, the utility of the 2MASS catalog for such a survey, and implications for our own survey. In particular, we discuss the possibility and limitations of studying clustering as a function of mass, as well as characterizing the cluster companions of our Herbig stars with JHK colors.