BOW-SHOCK INDUCED STAR-FORMATION IN THE LMC

The structure of supergiant shells, in particular of LMC 4, is hard to explain with stochastic self-propagating star formation. A series of supergiant structures lies along the outer edge of the LMC and form a sequence increasing clockwise in age. We have considered the rotation of the LMC and its motion through the halo of the Milky Way and propos e that these structures find their origin in star formation induced in the bow-shock formed at the leading edge of the LMC. Due to the rotat ion of the LMC these structures then move aside.