The SPHERE view of multiple star formation

Abstract

AbstractWhile a large fraction of the stars are in multiple systems, our understanding of the processes leading to the formation of these systems is still inadequate. Given the large theoretical uncertainties, observation plays a basic role. Here we discuss the contribution of high contrast imaging, and more specifically of the SPHERE instrument at the ESO Very Large Telescope, in this area. SPHERE nicely complements other instruments such as Gaia or ALMA—in detecting and characterizing systems near the peak of the binary distribution with separation and allows to capture snapshots of binary formation within disks that are invaluable for the understanding of disk fragmentation.