Formation of stars and planetary systems in magnetic interstellar clouds

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

A summary is presented of the evidence, observational and theoretical, that points to the importance of magnetic fields in star formation and, in fact, in all large-scale interstellar gas dynamics. Recent theoretical advances are discussed, taking into account the formation and equilibria of diffuse interstellar clouds, nonhomologous contraction and equilibria of self-gravitating clouds, magnetic braking, and the loss of magnetic flux as a single mechanism for the formation of all binary stars. Attention is also given to the relevance of new results on the magnetic field to star formation.
Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProtostars and Planets
Subtitle of host publicationStudies of Star Formation and of the Origin of the Solar System
EditorsTom Gehrels, Mildred Shapley Matthews
PublisherUniversity of Arizona Press
ISBN (Print)9780816506743, 9780816506576
StatePublished - 1978

Publication series

NameInternational Astronomical Union Colloquium
Number52

Keywords

  • Gravitational Collapse
  • Astrophysics
  • Planetary Evolution
  • Magnetic Flux
  • Interstellar Gas
  • Binary Stars
  • Angular Momentum
  • Ambipolar Diffusion
  • Stellar Evolution
  • Protostars
  • Protoplanets
  • Planetary Systems
  • Magnetic Clouds
  • Interstellar Magnetic Fields
  • Hydrogen Clouds

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