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Abstract WATCHING STARBIRTH FROM THE ANTARCTIC PLATEAU Nick Tothill The formation of stars out of gas and dust is one of the most important
processes in the evolution of the universe. It is responsible for
the production of elements such as carbon and oxygen, and for the
formation of planets, and ultimately, life. This process takes place
in the middle of giant dark clouds, and so is largely hidden from
view. But infrared light from the forming stars and very high-frequency
radio waves from the gas cloud can both escape the dark cloud; by
observing this light, we can see and understand the formation of
stars. The Antarctic Plateau is the best site on Earth from which
to observe these wavelengths of light. Recently, the AST/RO telescope
at the South Pole mapped out some of the nearest of these star-forming
clouds, revealing them to be dynamic and turbulent structures, buffetted
by nearby supernova explosions. New experiments and facilities are
currently being planned and proposed for several Antarctic Plateau
sites: radiotelescopes to map the formation of stars throughout
the Milky Way; infrared telescopes whose ability to observe fine
detail over wide fields of view with excellent sensitivity will
reveal the population of stars currently being born; and optical
experiments to search for the signatures of planets around nearby
stars.
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