Interstellar medium and star formation studies with the Square Kilometre Array

TL;DR

The paper discusses how the Square Kilometre Array will significantly advance understanding of star formation processes in the interstellar medium through high-resolution radio observations.

Contribution

It presents specific science cases for SKA in studying star formation, highlighting its potential to fill current knowledge gaps.

Findings

Potential to resolve AU-sized structures in the ISM

Insights into thermal and non-thermal jets from protostars

Understanding massive star formation and feedback effects

Abstract

Stars and planetary systems are formed out of molecular clouds in the interstellar medium. Although the sequence of steps involved in star formation are generally known, a comprehensive theory which describes the details of the processes that drive formation of stars is still missing. The Square Kilometre Array (SKA), with its unprecedented sensitivity and angular resolution, will play a major role in filling these gaps in our understanding. In this article, we present a few science cases that the Indian star formation community is interested in pursuing with SKA, which include investigation of AU-sized structures in the neutral ISM, the origin of thermal and non-thermal radio jets from protostars and the accretion history of protostars, and formation of massive stars and their effect on the surrounding medium.