Star Formation in the Central Molecular Zone of the Milky Way

TL;DR

This paper reviews recent observational and theoretical advances in understanding star formation processes within the extreme environment of the Milky Way's Central Molecular Zone, highlighting its unique physical conditions and their implications.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive synthesis of multi-scale and multi-physics insights into star formation in the CMZ, integrating recent findings to enhance current models.

Findings

CMZ's extreme conditions influence star formation efficiency

Recent observations reveal complex gas dynamics in the CMZ

Theoretical models are being refined with new data

Abstract

The Central Molecular Zone (CMZ) is a ring-like accumulation of molecular gas in the innermost few hundred parsecs of the Milky Way, generated by the inward transport of matter driven by the Galactic bar. The CMZ is the most extreme star-forming environment in the Galaxy. The unique combination of large-scale dynamics and extreme interstellar medium conditions, characterised by high densities, temperatures, pressures, turbulent motions, and strong magnetic fields, make the CMZ an ideal region for testing current star and planet formation theories. We review the recent observational and theoretical advances in the field, and combine these to draw a comprehensive, multi-scale and multi-physics picture of the cycle of matter and energy in the context of star formation in the closest galactic nucleus.