Rutgers University Astrophysics Seminar

Star formation in galaxies are governed by the complex interplay of several nonlinear physical mechanisms operating in the interstellar medium (ISM). However, in spite of the underlying complexity, there is overwhelming evidence for fundamental scaling relations and trends governing the conversion of gas to stars that seem to imply a self-regulating agent at play -- studies over the past decade have highlighted that stellar feedback play the role of this self-regulating agent. Specifically, the radiation emitted by young massive stars have been shown to play a pivotal role in regulating the star formation efficiency in, and controlling the evolutionary cycle of, GMCs in weakly star-forming galaxies in the local Universe. However, the nature of star formation and feedback in highly dense, compact, environments -- such as encountered in extreme environments like IR-bright galaxies in the local Universe, and more commonly in compact high redshift galaxies -- and its implications are yet to be fully explored. This regime result in starbursts that form massive, compact, proto-globular clusters, the feedback from which could have important dynamical consequences on their host galaxies. In this talk I will present novel radiation hydrodynamic simulations that provide valuable insight to this regime. I will touch upon the unique numerical challenges of modelling this regime and tools we developed to address these technical challenges. I will specifically highlight the aspects of star formation and feedback we find that are unique to this regime: the high star formation efficiencies achieved, the crucial role of radiation pressure on dust grains and outflows they launch, how they might be important contributors to reionization, and how the IMF might be affected and would change these outcomes. I will conclude by suggesting that these insights are particularly relevant in interpreting the conditions of star formation and feedback at Cosmic Dawn — a period now accessible through JWST.