Unveiling the Galaxy: Dense Gas and Star Formation in the Milky Way

该项目旨在解决天体物理学中最基本的问题之一--了解大质量恒星是如何形成的--利用一种新的、创新的、专门设计的天文测量。这个项目将通过将理论预测与新的观测相结合，在迄今得出的最准确距离的帮助下，产生关于恒星形成过程的新知识。预期的结果包括对恒星形成的全面了解，以及我们银河系致密气体结构的无与伦比的地图。这应该会带来显著的好处，例如用澳大利亚是关键合作伙伴的新一代全球望远镜来解释未来敏感的高分辨率调查所需的关键洞察力。

This project aims to address one of the most fundamental problems in astrophysics - understanding how high-mass stars form - by utilising a new, innovative, purpose-designed astronomical survey. This project will generate new knowledge about the star formation process by interfacing theoretical predictions with novel observations, aided by the most accurate distances yet derived. Expected outcomes include a comprehensive understanding of star formation, and an unparalleled map of the dense gas structure of our Galaxy. This should provide significant benefits, such as the crucial insight needed to interpret future sensitive, high-resolution surveys with next generation, globe-spanning telescopes in which Australia is a key partner.