Star Formation in Galaxy Evolution: Connecting Numerical Models to Reality (eBook)

This book contains the elaborated and updated versions of the 24 lectures given at the 43rd Saas-Fee Advanced Course. Written by four eminent scientists in the field, the book reviews the physical processes related to star formation, starting from cosmological down to galactic scales. It presents a detailed description of the interstellar medium and its link with the star formation. And it describes the main numerical computational techniques designed to solve the equations governing self-gravitating fluids used for modelling of galactic and extra-galactic systems. This book provides a unique framework which is needed to develop and improve the simulation techniques designed for understanding the formation and evolution of galaxies. Presented in an accessible manner it contains the present day state of knowledge of the field. It serves as an entry point and key reference to students and researchers in astronomy, cosmology, and physics.

Nick Gnedin is a research scientist at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and a professor at the University of Chicago. He is a Fellow of the American Physical Society.
Volker Springel is professor for theoretical astrophysics at Heidelberg University, Germany. He leads a research group in numerical cosmology at the Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies.
Ralf S. Klessen is professor for theoretical astrophysics at the Center for Astronomy of Heidelberg University. He works on various aspects of stellar birth in the early universe as well as at present days, and he studies the dynamics of the interstellar medium.
Simon Glover is a researcher in the Centre for Astronomy at Heidelberg University. His research focuses on the influence of chemical and radiative processes on the formation of stars and galaxies.