The Structure and Evolution of Stars: Introductory Remarks

In this introductory chapter of the Special Issue entitled 'The Structure and Evolution of Stars', we highlight the recent major progress made in our understanding of the physics that governs stellar interiors. In so doing, we combine insight from observations, 1D evolutionary modelling and 2D + 3D rotating (magneto)hydrodynamical simulations. Therefore, a complete and compelling picture of the necessary ingredients in state-of-the-art stellar structure theory and areas in which improvements still need to be made are contextualised. Additionally, the over-arching perspective linking all the themes of subsequent chapters is presented.

Automated summary

In this introductory chapter, we highlight the recent progress made in understanding the physics of stellar interiors. We combine insights from observations, modeling, and simulations to provide a comprehensive picture of stellar structure theory and identify areas for improvement. Furthermore, we present an overarching perspective that links all the themes of subsequent chapters.