Future Star Formation Dynamics Revisited

The duration of the current stelliferous era is re-examined in the context of our improved understanding of global star formation in disk galaxies. Important constraints come from the controversial existence of star-formation thresholds, as well as recycling, so-called Schmidt's law, and the past star formation history. The question to what extent global infall could influence the duration of the stelliferous era is addressed. Additional mechanisms of non-conventional star formation, such as constructive brown dwarf collisions and cumulative brown dwarf accretion are briefly considered.