Michael Burton, Roland Crocker, Jill Rathborne, Gavin Rowell, Nick Tothill, Andrew Walsh
The interstellar medium is the engine room for galactic evolution. While much is known about the conditions within the ISM, many important areas regarding the formation and evolution of the various phases of the ISM leading to star formation, and its role in important astrophysical processes, remain to be explained. This paper discusses several of the fundamental science problems, placing them in context with current activities and capabilities, as well as the future capabilities that are needed to progress them in the decade ahead. The discussion gives particular emphasis to Australian involvement in furthering these investigations, as part of the wider international endeavour. The particular science programs that are outlined in this White Paper include the formation of molecular clouds, the ISM of the Galactic nucleus, the origin of gamma-rays and cosmic rays, high mass star and cluster formation, the dense molecular medium and complex organic molecules in space.
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http://arxiv.org/abs/1307.0712
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