An Introduction to Star Formation

by Derek Ward-Thompson , Anthony P. Whitworth

• ISBN13: 9780521630306
• ISBN10: 0521630304
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2011-03-14
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

Guiding the reader through all the stages that lead to the formation of a star such as our Sun, this is the first advanced textbook to provide students with a complete overview of star formation. It examines the underlying physical processes that govern the evolution from a molecular cloud core to a main-sequence star, and focuses on the formation of solar-mass stars. Each chapter combines theory and observation, helping readers to connect with and understand the theory behind star formation. Beginning with an explanation of the interstellar medium and molecular clouds as sites of star formation, subsequent chapters address the building of typical stars and the formation of high-mass stars, concluding with a discussion of the by-products and consequences of star formation. This is a unique, self-contained text with sufficient background information for self-study, and is ideal for students and professional researchers alike.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Probing star formation

The ISM: the beginnings of star formation

Molecular clouds: the sites of star formation

Fragmentation and collapse: the road to star formation

Young stars, proto-stars and accretion: building a typical star

The formation of high-mass stars, and their surroundings

By-products and consequences of star formation

Index

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