The interstellar medium top Stars and the interstellar medium are the two components of the Galaxy, and they have a close and intricate relationship.
Stars form out of clouds of gas and dust.
The Canadian Galactic Plane Survey, for which Martin serves as a scientific director, is conducting an HI and continuum radio survey at 1 arc minute resolution. Much of the ISM-related research at CITA focusses on the process of star formation. Magnetic fields appear to play an important role. In modelling the collapse of magnetized cores, Fiege is trying to gain insight into how protostars and the violent gas jets observed to be emitted by them are formed. Matzner also investigates the formation of jets, as well as their effects on the surrounding medium.