To understand the formation and evolution of stars is essential for understanding the evolution of the Universe as a whole. Steward astronomers attack these problems with observations at many wavelengths and with theoretical calculations. Star formation is closely coupled to planet formation, in ways that are still not well understood.  We study the conditions for star formation, the properties of the faintest and brightest stars, and how stellar energy output is coupled to the evolution of galaxies.  Star formation studies allow us to tackle the problems of how galaxies such as the Magellanic Clouds and the Milky Way interact. Stars can also be used as probes of the gravitational effects of dark matter, and of extreme physics in conditions which are unattainable in the lab. Understanding objects such as brown dwarfs is only possible if the models are correct, which entails accurate molecular and atomic transitions and the best models of convection.

A large fraction of the Steward faculty count stellar astronomy as one of their major areas of research.

Related topics are discussed both in our Star Formation/ISM and Galaxy discussion groups. These meet on alternate Mondays at noon in N305 during the academic year.