Molecular cloud fragmentation and core collapse

Authors

Shantanu Basu, The University of Western Ontario

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

8-1-2015

Journal

Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union

Volume

11

Issue

S315

First Page

85

Last Page

90

URL with Digital Object Identifier

10.1017/S1743921316007316

Abstract

I review some steps in the conversion of molecular cloud gas into stars and planets, with an emphasis in this presentation on the early stage molecular cloud fragmentation that leads to elongated filaments/ribbons. Magnetic fields can play a crucial role in all stages and need to be invoked particularly for early stage fragmentation as well as in late core collapse where it may control disk formation. I also review some elements of hydrodynamic modeling of disk evolution.