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arXiv · 1904.04319

Understanding Galactic Star Formation with Next Generation X-ray Spectroscopy and Imaging

Scott J. Wolk·Rachel Osten·Nancy Brickhouse·Moritz Günther·Laura A. Lopez·Jeremy Drake·Benjamin F. Williams·Elaine Winston·Denis Leahy·Panayiotis Tzanavaris·David A. Principe
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Abstract

This white paper is motivated by open questions in star formation, which can be uniquely addressed by high resolution X-ray imaging and require an X-ray observatory with large collecting area along good spectral resolution. A complete census of star-forming regions in X-rays, combined with well matched infrared (IR) data, will advance our understanding of disk survival times and dissipation mechanisms. In addition, we will be able to directly observe the effects of X-ray irradiation on circumstellar grain growth to compare with grain evolution models in both high- and low-UV environments. X-rays are native to stars at all phases of star formation and affect planet-forming disks especially through flares. Moreover, X-rays trace magnetic fields which weave through the flares, providing a unique, non-gravitational feedback mechanism between disk and star. Finally, the bright X-ray emission emanating from hot plasma associated with massive stars can have large scale impacts on the topology of star-forming regions and their interface with the interstellar medium (ISM).

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Scott J. Wolk, Rachel Osten, Nancy Brickhouse, Moritz Günther, Laura A. Lopez, Jeremy Drake, Benjamin F. Williams, Elaine Winston, Denis Leahy, Panayiotis Tzanavaris, David A. Principe. 2019-04-08. Understanding Galactic Star Formation with Next Generation X-ray Spectroscopy and Imaging. https://arxiv.org/abs/1904.04319

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