An Introduction to Star Formation

“Star formation is one of the most active research fields in modern astronomy and is also the key to understanding problems as diverse as galaxy evolution and the origin of planets. This book, written by two highly regarded experts, first poses the questions that define the field of star formation and then gives a remarkably comprehensive yet concise survey of the underlying physics. The book provides both an overview suitable for those new to the field and also a convenient handbook for established researchers. It emphasizes both basic principles and established results and will surely remain a standard work for years to come.” David Williams, Emeritus Perren Professor of Astronomy, University College London

“This book presents star formation and interstellar medium studies at a level appropriate for advanced undergraduate and first year graduate students in astronomy and astrophysics programs. This needed text fills the niche between non-technical general overviews and advanced treatments suited for senior graduate students or researchers.” John Bally, Professor of Astronomy. University of Colorado – Boulder

“This well-named book covers most of the ground in a still growing subject. It is well suited to the undergraduate or starting graduate, and as a refresher for professionals working in a different branch of the subject. With a wide-ranging and elementary introduction to bring anyone up to speed, a pleasant blend of observation and theory leads the reader through the entire research area, giving an authoritative and clear picture of our understanding of the subject, and of the tools used in its discovery. To have produced such a coherent picture of a complex area without sacrificing physical rigour is a significant achievement.” Peter Brand, Emeritus Professor of Astrophysics, University of Edinburgh

"This is well-written..suitable for astronomy and physics students as well as researchers..Highly recommended." - CHOICE

"... quite beautiful, the book is a pleasure to read. Ward-Thompson and Whitworth, guide the reader step by step through the basics of interstellar clouds, the physics of gravitational collapse, and the connection of stellar birth to the formation of both planets and galaxies. They weave together observational results and relatively simple theoretical derivations, and they provide ample figures to illustrate both. The tone and content are generally most appropriate for an upper-level undergraduate courses..." Joshua Milstein, Physics Today, January 2012