Stellar Systems Group

Nisini, B., Kaas, A. A., van Dishoeck, E. F., and Ward-Thompson, D.
Space Science Reviews, Volume 119, Issue 1-4, pp. 159-179 (2005).
08/2005

ABSTRACT

We summarize the observations of the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) concerning the earliest stages of the stellar formation. The observations of samples of sources in different evolutionary stages are reviewed, addressing in particular how the physical and chemical properties of the protostellar environments change from the pre-stellar cores to the protostars at the end of their accretion phase. In addition, the mid-IR surveys in nearby star-forming regions are discussed, showing their implications for the understanding of the stellar initial mass function.