Star formation triggered by the Galactic H II region RCW 120

Context. By means of different physical mechanisms, the expansion of H ii regions can promote the formation of new stars of all masses. RCW 120 is a nearby Galactic H ii region where triggered star formation occurs. This region is well-studied – there being a wealth of existing data – and is nearby. However, it is surrounded by dense regions for which far infrared data is essential to obtain an unbiased view of the star formation process and in particular to establish whether very young protostars are present. Aims. We attempt to identify all young stellar objects (YSOs), especially those previously undetected at shorter wavelengths, to derive their physical properties and obtain insight into the star formation history in this region. Methods. We use Herschel-PACS and -SPIRE images to determine the distribution of YSOs observed in the field. We use a spectral energy distribution fitting tool to derive the YSOs physical properties. Results. Herschel-PACS and -SPIRE images confirm the existence of a young source and allow us to determine its nature as a high-mass (8–10 $M_{\odot}$) Class 0 object (whose emission is dominated by a massive envelope Menv $\simeq$ 103 $M_{\odot}$) towards the massive condensation 1 observed at (sub)-millimeter wavelengths. This source was not detected at 24 μm and only barely seen in the MISPGAL 70 μm data. Several other red sources are detected at Herschel wavelengths and coincide with the peaks of the millimeter condensations. SED fitting results for the brightest Herschel sources indicate that, apart from the massive Class 0 that forms in condensation 1, low mass (0.8–4 $M_{\odot}$) stars are forming around RCW 120 with ages younger than 5 × 104 years. This indicates that YSOs observed on the borders of RCW 120 are younger than its ionizing star, which has an age of about 2.5 Myr. Conclusions. Herschel images allow us to detect new YSOs that are too young and embedded to be detected at shorter wavelengths (25 of the 49 Herschel sources are new detections). This offers a new and more complete view of the star formation in this region. PACS and SPIRE fluxes were obtained for the brightest YSOs and allow us to strongly constrain both their spectral energy distribution and their physical properties through SED fitting. A more accurate determination of their properties allows us, for the first time, to discuss the star formation history in this region by comparing similar sources at different evolutionary stages.