Star Formation in the Galactic Center Environment

TL;DR

This paper reviews recent progress in understanding star formation in the Galactic Center, highlighting suppression mechanisms and discussing its applicability as a model for starburst galaxies, with caution due to environmental differences.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of recent findings on star formation suppression in the Galactic Center and critically assesses its use as a template for starburst galaxies.

Findings

Star formation is suppressed in Galactic Center molecular clouds.

Environmental conditions in the GC differ from those in starburst galaxies.

Caution is needed when using the GC as a universal starburst template.

Abstract

A brief overview of recent advances in the study of star formation in the Galactic Center (GC) environment is presented. Particular attention is paid to new insights concerning the suppression of star formation in GC molecular clouds. Another focus is the question whether the GC can be used as a template for the understanding of starburst galaxies in the nearby and distant universe: this must be done with care. Some of the particular conditions in the center of the Milky Way do not necessarily play a role in starburst galaxies.