Prof. Guang-Xing Li (Yunnan U.)

Star formation — Are complex things understandable?

Star formation is among the most complex processes studied by astronomers to date. It is characterised by a multi-scale interplay between gravity, turbulence, magnetic field, galactic shear as well as ironising radiation. The key to understand star formation is to pin down the physical mechanics at work. I focus on the followings:

  • the interaction between galactic disk and molecular cloud, through shear. This mechanism can shut down star formation completely under certainty conditions
  • the interaction between turbulence and gravity, which controls cloud fragmentation.
  • the interaction between stars and gas, through gravity (molecular contrails). [link]

Place: KIAA-auditorium

Time: Thursday, April 15, 2021 - 4:00PM to Thursday, April 15, 2021 - 5:00PM