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| EPoS Contribution |
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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. | |