This research project will use high dynamic range numerical experiments to explore the complex interplay of gravity, turbulence and magnetic fields in controlling the mass distribution and formation rate of stars, and their dependence on physical parameters such as gas density, temperature, velocity dispersion and magnetic field strength. An adaptive mesh refinement method will allow coverage of a huge range of physical scales. The project includes detailed analysis of the physical properties of a large number of proto-stellar cores generated in the numerical experiments, and radiative transfer calculations to predict the line and dust continuum emission from those proto-stellar cores. By addressing the fundamental problem of star formation, this work will contribute to fields of astrophysics ranging from the evolution of galaxies in the early Universe to the origin of life on planets.
Students will be involved in the research, and also in the creation of a project website for academic, research, and noncommercial purposes. The outreach section will contain graphic visualizations and movies. Research results and numerical tools will be available for the scientific community, and the research team will also be involved in strong outreach programs for various middle and high schools that serve mostly under-represented groups.
