Dissertation
Tales of Orion: the interplay of gas, dust, and stars in the interstellar medium
Promotores: Prof.dr. A.G.G.M. Tielens & Prof.dr. L. Kaper (UvA)
- Author
- B.B. Ochsendorf
- Date
- 01 September 2015
- Links
- Thesis in Leiden Repository
The space between stars is filled with a dilute mixture of atoms, molecules, and dust grains, which we call the interstellar medium (ISM). The physics of the ISM is a crucial part in many areas of astronomy, such as the formation and evolution of stars and entire galaxies. It regulates molecule- and dust grain synthesis, which together constitute the very building blocks of planetesimals required to form planetary systems and, ultimately, life itself. Recent observations have revealed that a significant fraction of the ISM is dynamic and filamentary, likely caused by radiation, winds, and supernova explosions from massive stars that constantly stir the material that resides in the ISM. However, the exact mechanisms and contributions of these interactions remain poorly understood. To advance our knowledge of the ISM of galaxies, in first principle, we need to acquire a deep understanding of the interplay between stars and their surroundings. In this thesis, I investigate the interactions between gas, dust, and stars in the ISM, by using the Orion region as a benchmark model.