Editorial: Mass and Angular Momentum Transport of Rapidly Rotating Hot Stars

TL;DR

This collection explores how rapid rotation affects massive stars' physical processes, evolution, and end states, providing insights into their role in galactic evolution and star formation.

Contribution

It compiles and discusses diverse scientific cases that deepen understanding of the impact of rapid rotation on massive star evolution and their physical characteristics.

Findings

Rapid rotation influences stellar structure and evolution.

Physical factors driven by rotation affect star end-of-life states.

Enhanced understanding of massive star physics through collective analysis.

Abstract

This dedicated journal collection will present and discuss a variety of science cases that can be used to extend our knowledge of massive stars and the influence of their rapid rotation on their subsequent evolution. The aim is to build understanding of this pivotal class of stellar objects that provides the energy and processed material driving galactic evolution and setting the stage for subsequent star and planet formation. This collection of papers offers a unique discussion of physical factors that are driven by rapid rotation and whose influence directly impact the evolution and end-of-life state of massive stars. They are presented together to give the reader a perspective that only the ensemble can provide instead of a single paper. We hope that we are successful in our goal of shedding light on the scope and outcome of this important facet of massive star physics.