Dr. Steven Stahler, at the University of California, Berkeley, will use this Small Grant for Exploratory Research (SGER) award to explore a scenario in which a molecular cloud undergoes slow contraction, with self-gravity being nearly balanced by internal, turbulent pressure. It is in local density peaks within the turbulent gas that stars are formed. Through this theory, Dr. Stahler hopes to explain, in a unified manner, the formation mechanism of three main types of stellar groups - OB associations, T-associations and open clusters.
The research will involve simulations that in movie form lend themselves to presentations to public audiences, thereby providing broader impact to the proposed research. Dr. Stahler has been active in public presentations, and he will continue to do undertake outreach efforts. The research will also involve a graduate student.
