Ringberg Meeting: Puzzles of Star Formation II

Star formation is a topic of active research since the seventies and a lot of progress has certainly been made since then. Nevertheless, there are still many conceptual issues and central puzzles that are not solved yet. These include processes and physics related to the origin of turbulence in the ISM, the formation, evolution and lifetimes of molecular clouds in the turbulent environment of galaxies, the condensation of these clouds into stars, multiple systems and stellar clusters via gravitational collapse and the energetic processes by which these stars affect their gaseous environment and by this self-regulate star formation. With this meeting we want to make an attempt to identify and clarify some of the most pending questions in the field, and to seek paths to solve them, from a theoretical as well as observational point of view.

This requires a new workshop style that is not focused primarily on presentations of most recent insights and successes but, just on the opposite, about what you think is fascinating but not understood, why it is important and (if you have an idea) suggestions of how to solve the puzzle, maybe in a concerted effort. Your task as participant will be to suggest such questions and lead a subsequent discussion.

Approach

With an anticipated 40 participants, there is sufficient room for various forms of discussions. Every participant has a 20min slot where an important question or puzzle in the field can be introduced and a discussion be started. In this 20min slot, a maximum of 10min should be devoted to introduce the topic/question and/or show some initial results. The remaining part of the time should be dedicated to discussion. Furthermore, it is possible to "cumulate" slots. Check out the list of participants below. If you want to introduce/discuss a question/puzzle with another participant, two or three slots can be cumulated to 40min or 60min slots. The share of 50% intro/results and 50% discussion should remain.

We are looking forward to a lively and exciting meeting!