An uncertainty principle for star formation - II. A new method for characterizing the cloud-scale physics of star formation and feedback across cosmic history

摘要: The cloud-scale physics of star formation and feedback represent the main uncertainty in galaxy studies. Progress is hampered by limited empirical constraints outside restricted environment Local Group. In particular, poorly-quantified time evolution molecular cloud lifecycle, formation, obstructs robust predictions on scales smaller than disc scale height that are resolved modern simulations. We present a new statistical method to derive evolutionary timeline clouds star-forming regions. By quantifying excess or deficit gas-to-stellar flux ratio around peaks gas tracer emission, we directly measure relative rarity these peaks, which allows us their lifetimes. step-by-step, quantitative description demonstrate its practical application. method's accuracy tested nearly 300 experiments using simulated maps, showing it capable constraining lifetime time-scale $<0.1$ dex precision. Access provides variety additional physical quantities, such as efficiency, outflow velocity, mass loading factor, energy momentum coupling efficiencies ambient medium. show results for wide tracers, spatial resolutions, inclinations, sizes. Finally, our can be applied out high redshift ($z\lesssim4$) with feasible investment current large-scale observatories. This major shift from previous studies constrained immediate vicinity Sun.