Our Galactic Ecosystem: Opportunities and Diagnostics in the Infrared and Beyond

The far infrared contains critical information about galactic ecosystem; The circle of life of stars and planets. How does interstellar material cycle between atomic and molecular clouds, and how does its chemical composition (and particularly the abundance of hydride molecules) reflect the environment in which it is found? What is the role of feedback (from young and old stars) on the interstellar medium (ISM)? What is the role of magnetic fields in the evolution of the ISM and star formation?

SOFIA provides a flexible, and our currently only, general access to the far infrared (30-300 µm) and its tracers of atomic and molecular lines and FIR polarization. This conference will allow in-person discussions of the results and future opportunities in studying galactic ecosystem using FIR methods, from SOFIA and other platforms. A goal will be to explore synergy with other observatories, including JWST and ALMA, and with theory.