Rationale for the Joint Discussion

Abstract

This Joint Discussion (JD) will consider the birth processes of massive stars. While similar phenomena (e.g., accretion discs, outflows, etc.) are found in low mass star formation, additional physics must be considered given the ionization of the interstellar environment by Lyman continuum photons, stellar winds from the hot star(s), and their deeper gravitational potentials. This JD will bring together experts from several disparate astronomical communities: stellar astrophysics, interstellar medium, radio astronomy, and stellar dynamics. The concept is to contrast observations of very young stars and star formation regions over various wavelengths with theoretical expectations.