Suzan Edwards, L. Clark Seelye Professor of Astronomy, studies stars that are forming deep within molecular clouds in the galaxy. The gravitational collapse of rotating, denser-than-average "cores" within a molecular cloud results in the creation of a central protostar surrounded by a flattened spinning disk of gaseous material, with dimensions comparable to the solar system. To subscribe to the podcast or listen to the complete audio version of the interview in its entirety, go to the Smith iTunes podcast page here:
