ISM and Star formation
Research on the interstellar medium (ISM) and star formation focuses on understanding how the diffuse gas and dust in galaxies give rise to stars. The ISM, comprising phases like cold molecular clouds, warm atomic regions, and hot ionized plasmas, serves as the raw material for star formation. Studies explore how processes such as turbulence, magnetic fields, and cosmic feedback regulate the collapse of molecular clouds into protostars. Observations from advanced telescopes, like the ALMA and JCMT, reveal the detailed structure and dynamics of star-forming regions, while simulations model the lifecycle of the ISM and its role in galactic evolution. This research is fundamental for deciphering how galaxies evolve and how stars influence their surroundings through radiation and stellar winds.

Imgae Credit: NASA and the Night Sky Network