The study of the atoms, molecules and dust between the stars in the Milky Way -- the interstellar medium (ISM) -- provides valuable information about the process of star formation and the related process of planet formation. In this regime energy input from radiation, winds, and explosions of massive stars can have great influence, heating the gas and dust, and triggering collapse of large molecular gas clouds which fragment into stars.

At Steward detailed multiwavelength studies of stellar nurseries are underway with the goal of providing a complete picture of the complex processes that dominate star-forming environments.  This includes studies of all phases of star formation from the formation and evolution of molecular clouds, the formation and collapse of dense starless cores,  the evolution of protostars and their subsequent feedback, and the formation of planets in protoplanetary disks. 

A discussion group that focuses on ISM science meets regularly on alternate Mondays at noon during the academic year in N 305.