About the Book

Abstract

The study of the formation and early evolution of stars has been an ever growing part of astrophysical research. Traditionally, often in the shadow of its big brothers (i.e., the study of stellar structure, stellar atmospheres and the structure of galaxies), it has become evident that early stellar evolution research contributes essentially to these classical fields. There are a few new items on the list of traditional astrophysical studies, some of which are more related to features known from the extreme late stages of stellar evolution such as accretion, outflows, disks, and large-scale turbulence. In recent years the gap between theory and observations in massive star formation has begun to close as much attention has been focussed specifically on this topic. Newly emerging are protoplanetary systems, the formation and early evolution of planets, and related the detection of extrasolar planets. The field today requires the most powerful and sensitive instruments and telescopes mankind is able to provide. It utilizes the fastest computers and memory devices to simulate jets, evolving disks and outflows. A network of researchers all over the planet invest resources and time to contribute to the steadily growing knowledge about the origins of stars and planets and ultimately the birth of the Solar System.KeywordsStar FormationAccretion DiskStellar EvolutionYoung StarProtoplanetary DiskThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.