Prof. Jonathan Williams (University of Hawaii, Institute for Astronomy)

Clouds, Cores and Disks: Millimeter Wavelength Observations of Star and Planet Formation - Prof. Jonathan Williams Colloquium

ATNF Marsfield Lecture Theatre

Abstract

I will present an overview of recent work on star formation that covers
several of the conceptual stages in Shu's famous diagram. I will begin
with large scale observations of the structure and chemistry of cluster forming clumps across a molecular cloud. At smaller scales using
interferometric data, I will discuss the dynamical collapse of starless
cores and newly discovered solar mass hot cores. The last half of the
talk will focus on protostellar disks and their transition from accretion to passive (and possibly planet-forming) objects.