EPoS
EPoS Contribution

Magnetic Fields and Star Formation

Shantanu Basu
University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
We discuss the role of magnetic fields in (1) acting as a conduit for turbulent motions in molecular clouds, resulting in cloud support against global collapse; (2) regulating the fragmentation process that gives birth to stars; and (3) regulating the collapse deep within collapsing cores. A critical analysis of whether the magnetic field is crucial or merely a passive quantity in each case is presented. Work from several research groups will be presented and interpreted in a broader context.