The interstellar medium (ISM) in our local galaxy serves as a hub for the next generation of star formation. The interplay among interstellar turbulence, magnetic fields, gravity, stellar feedback, interstellar chemistry, and non-ideal magnetohydrodynamic effects collectively shapes the galactic ecosystem we observe today. However, the mechanisms by which these components construct the observed galaxy and regulate the star formation rate remain enigmatic.

Recent studies have made significant strides in understanding individual aspects of the ISM, such as the role of turbulence in cloud formation and the influence of magnetic fields on star formation. Despite these advances, a comprehensive understanding of how these factors interact to govern the ISM and star formation remains elusive. This gap in knowledge underscores the need for a multidisciplinary approach to unravel the complexities of the ISM and its role in star formation.

This Research Topic aims to advance our understanding of the intricate dynamics governing the interstellar medium, which plays a pivotal role in the genesis and evolution of stars within our galaxy. Through a comprehensive examination of the physical processes underlying the ISM, including the roles of turbulence, magnetic fields, and feedback mechanisms, this Research Topic will explore star formation and the formation of molecular clouds. By bridging diverse fields of expertise, we seek to illuminate the non-ideal effects that influence these processes, thereby contributing to a more nuanced understanding of the cosmic tapestry that frames the observable universe.

We will accept the following article types: Original Research, Methods, Review, Mini-Review, Hypothesis & Theory, and Technology & Code. To gather further insights into the multiphase interstellar media and star formation, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• The physics of the interstellar medium and its formation as the observed foreground of the universe.
• The role of turbulence across different scales.
• The influence of magnetic fields in the interstellar medium and on star formation.
• How feedback mechanisms contribute to star formation and affect larger scale environments.
• The impact of non-ideal effects on the formation of molecular clouds and stars.

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Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences

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