International collaboration in millimetre and infrared astronomy to pursue the study of star formation

恒星形成于分子云的冷核中。它们的形成可以通过这些云中发生的丰富的分子化学产生的旋转线发射，在毫米波长下进行研究。它们也可以通过它们的热发射在红外波长上进行研究。在与英国天文学家的合作下，将利用澳大利亚新的毫米波天文学设施-莫普拉望远镜和澳大利亚望远镜的毫米干涉仪--以及欧洲南方天文台的红外天文设施，推进这一领域的研究计划。正在寻求资金来促进这一合作。

Stars form in the cold cores of molecular clouds. Their formation can be studied at millimetre wavelengths, through the rotational line emission arising from the rich molecular chemistry taking place inside these clouds. They can also be studied at infrared wavelengths through their thermal emission. In a collaboration with UK astronomers a research program into this field will be advanced, making use of the new Australian facilities for millimetre-wave astronomy---the Mopra Telescope and the mm-interferometer of the Australia Telescope---as well as the ESO facilities for infrared astronomy. Funds are sought to facilitate this collaboration.