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Physical Society Colloquium
Shantanu Basu
Department of Physics and Astronomy Now regarded as an outstanding challenge in theoretical astrophysics, star formation has been an active field of study for only the last several decades. During this time, observational and theoretical advances have led to a significant evolution of ideas. Although gravity is the ultimate driving force for star formation, modern theories and observations imply that the process is regulated by strong magnetic fields and their associated wave modes. We present detailed numerical models which lend weight to this picture. New observations at high spatial and spectral resolution are confronting the theory, and promise to lead the way in the next decade. We also discuss some of the key unresolved issues in this field of research.
Friday, March 31st 2000, 15:30 |