Case Studies in Star Formation
A Molecular Astronomy Perspective

A succinct overview of our current understanding in the molecular astronomy of star formation for graduate students and early researchers.

Duncan MacKay (Author), Mark Thompson (Author), James Urquhart (Author)

9781009277440, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 13 April 2023

308 pages
23.5 x 15.7 x 1.9 cm, 0.66 kg

'The formation of stars is a mysterious process, 'viewed through a glass darkly', where the opacity is caused by interstellar dust. In recent years, however, the development of infrared and submillimetre-wave observational facilities has allowed us to peer through the fog to view star formation in all its complexity. In this book, the authors use a series of in-depth case studies to explain what we know about star formation in isolated systems and star clusters, from low-mass to high-mass objects, from galactic to extragalactic sources. Each case study follows a historical approach so that the reader can see both progress in our understanding and the questions that remain - as yet - unanswered.' Tom Millar, Queen's University Belfast

Case Studies in Star Formation offers an overview of our current observational and theoretical understanding in the molecular astronomy of star formation. The book is divided into six sections: the first introduces an overview of star formation and the essential language, concepts and tools specific to molecular astronomy studies. Each subsequent section focuses on individual sources, beginning with a description of large-scale surveys. The volume covers low- and high mass star formation, ionization and photodissociation regions, and concludes with the extragalactic perspective. Conventional textbooks begin with principles, ending with a few convenient examples. Through copious examples, Case Studies reflects the reality of research, which requires the creative matching of ongoing observations to theory and vice-versa, often raising as many questions as answers. This supplementary study guide enables graduate students and early researchers to bridge the gap between textbooks and the wealth of research literature.

Preface
Acronyms
Part I. Introduction: 1. An overview of star formation
Part II. Low Mass Star Formation (LMSF): 2. Two LMSFR surveys using IRAM and ALMA
3. IRAS 16293 in Ophiuchus
4. NGC 1333 in Perseus
5. IRAS 15398 in Lupus 1
Part III. High Mass Star Formation (HMSF): 6. Two HMSFR surveys using APEX and NOEMA
7. Sagittarius B2
8. G29.96 in W43
9. Orion BN/KL
Part IV. Ionization: 10. Two HII surveys using JVLA and ALMA
11. An HCHII in G24.78+0.08
12. G34.26+0.15 in Aquila
Part V. Photodissociation: 13. An ATLASGAL PDR sample
14. The Orion Bar in M42
15. The Horsehead Nebula in Orion
Part VI. External Galaxies: 16. Two extragalactic surveys: CANON and PHANGS-ALMA
17. ST16 & N113 in the large magellanic cloud
18. Starburst galaxy NGC 253
List of research journal abbreviations
References
Appendices
Subject index
Chemical index.

Subject Areas: Astrophysics [PHVB], Cosmology & the universe [PGK], Astronomical observation: observatories, equipment & methods [PGG]