Stellar clustering connecting the formation and evolution of galaxies to the formation and evolution of us
DIPC Seminars
- Speaker
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Diederik Kruijssen, Heidelberg University, Germany
- When
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2021/11/12
12:30 - Place
- Hybrid Seminar, Donostia International Physics Center
- Add to calendar
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iCal
The clustered nature of star formation leaves a long-term imprint on galaxies,
stars, and planets. At young ages, stellar clustering subdivides galaxies into
individual building blocks undergoing vigorous, feedback-driven life cycles
that vary with the galactic environment. These units structure the
interstellar medium spatially, dynamically and chemically, and collectively
define how galaxies form stars. At old ages, the relics of clustered star
formation persist as ancient globular clusters, which hold a wealth of
information allowing us to reconstruct the assembly histories of galaxies,
culminating in the reconstruction of the Milky Way’s merger tree. Towards
smaller scales, stellar clustering has a measurable impact on the evolution of
protoplanetary discs, the architectures of planetary systems, and the
properties of planets themselves. I will discuss how this web of physical
processes across a hierarchy of scales defines the cosmic ecosystem that we
live in, and demonstrate that stellar clustering is at its focal point.
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