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Observations of the birth of stars

The Atacama Large Millimeter Array, credit ESO
The Atacama Large Millimeter Array, credit ESO

One of the biggest questions in astronomy is ‘how are stars formed?'

Stars are born in clouds of gas and dust, which hides the birth from optical telescopes like Hubble. We use submm telescopes, such as the Atacama Large Millimetre Array, to see through the dust and witness the birth of stars as they happen.

We will soon be using the new MUSCAT camera, built by the Astronomy Instrumentation Group for the Large Millimeter Telescope in Mexico, to carry out a search for the earliest moments in the lives of high-mass stars.

Dr Nicolas Peretto

Dr Nicolas Peretto

Joint Director of International
Reader
Astronomy Group
Cardiff Hub for Astrophysics Research and Technology

Email
nicolas.peretto@astro.cf.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 (0)29 2087 4649
Dr Sarah Ragan

Dr Sarah Ragan

Lecturer
Director of Undergraduate Studies
Astronomy Group
Cardiff Hub for Astrophysics Research and Technology

Email
raganse@cardiff.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 (0) 29 2087 4289