Feedback Processes [in Massive Star Formation]: A Theoretical Perspective

TL;DR

This paper reviews theoretical perspectives on feedback mechanisms from massive stars, such as radiation and winds, and their complex roles in star formation and cloud evolution.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive theoretical review of how various feedback processes influence massive star formation and their surrounding environments.

Findings

Feedback does not prevent massive star formation

Feedback influences the environment but does not trigger star formation above unity efficiency

Massive cloud remnants can persist for many dynamical times

Abstract

I review the evidence for the importance of feedback from massive stars at small and large scales. The feedback mechanisms include accretion luminosity, ionizing radiation, collimated outflows, and stellar winds. The good news is that feedback doesn't entirely prevent the formation of massive stars, while the bad news is that we don't know what does limit their masses. Feedback from massive stars also influences their surroundings. I argue that this does not produce a triggering efficiency above unity, nor does it prevent lots of prompt star formation in GMCs, though it may preserve massive remnants of the clouds for many dynamical times.