The role of magnetic fields during the birth and death of stars

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Wouter H.T. Vlemmings
• Subject Area: Astrophysics and Astronomy
• Term: from 2008 to 2014
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 104673125

The study of the birth and death of stars is of fundamental importance. Stars and planetary systems are formed through complex physical processes during the collapse of gas clouds. At the end of a stars life, outflows are the main source of heavy elements that are essential for the formation of stars, planets and life. One of the main Emmy Noether application: Magnetism during stellar evolution questions that remain about the formation and final evolution of stars concerns the role of magnetic fields. Only polarization observations at different spatial scales are able to measure the strength and structure of magnetic fields during these stages of stellar evolution. Because stars in these evolutionary phases are highly obscured by dusty envelopes, they are best probed through observations of molecules and dust at submillimeter (0.3-1 mm) and radio (1-20 cm) wavelengths. The proposed research group will use state of the art submillimeter and radio instruments to examine the role and origin of magnetic fields during star-formation and in the outflows from evolved stars. These observations will reveal the importance of magnetism in regulating the creation of protostellar disks and outflows, as well as in driving and shaping the mass-loss of evolved stars.

• DFG Programme: Independent Junior Research Groups
• International Connection: Sweden