Star Formation Studies From Antarctica

Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder CO 80309, USA

Corresponding author: John.Bally@colorado.edu

Abstract

Star formation is the fundamental cosmic process that determines the evolution of ordinary baryonic matter in the Universe. Because stars form from cold, dense, and obscured cores in interstellar molecular clouds, star formation investigations require observations in the infrared to radio wavelength portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. The high elevations and dry conditions at sites on the Antarctic plateau provide the darkest sky and best transparency available from any ground-based location. I present an overview of unique observational opportunities in the general area of star and planet formation studies from Antarctica. A 2 to 3 meter diameter mid-IR telescope optimized for wide-field imaging provides the most exciting near-term opportunities for a program of star formation studies.