Physical Processes in Star Formation

• DOI: 10.1007/s11214-020-00693-8
• Publication Date: 2020-06-02T11:07:02Z
• Authors: Philipp Girichidis; Stella S. R. Offner; Alexei G. Kritsuk; Ralf S. Klessen; Patrick Hennebelle; J. M. Diederik Kr...; Martin G. H. Krause; Simon C. O. Glover; Marco Padovani
• Keywords: Basic processes; Global star formation laws; Star formation; FOS: Physical sciences; 530; Astrophysics - Astrophysics of Galaxies; 01 natural sciences; 7. Clean energy; 520; [SDU] Sciences of the Universe [physics]; Astrophysics - Solar and Stellar Astrophysics; [SDU]Sciences of the Universe [physics]; 13. Climate action; Astrophysics of Galaxies (astro-ph.GA); 0103 physical sciences; Solar and Stellar Astrophysics (astro-ph.SR); Stellar feedback

Star formation is a complex multi-scale phenomenon that is of significant importance for astrophysics in general. Stars and star formation are key pillars in observational astronomy from local star forming regions in the Milky Way up to high-redshift galaxies. From a theoretical perspective, star formation and feedback processes (radiation, winds, and supernovae) play a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of the physical processes at work, both individually and of their interactions. In this review we will give an overview of the main processes that are important for the understanding of star formation. We start with an observationally motivated view on star formation from a global perspective and outline the general paradigm of the life-cycle of molecular clouds, in which star formation is the key process to close the cycle. After that we focus on the thermal and chemical aspects in star forming regions, discuss turbulence and magnetic fields as well as gravitational forces. Finally, we review the most important stellar feedback mechanisms.<br/>86 pages, 4 figures. To appear in Space Science Reviews, topical collection Star formation<br/>