Dynamics of young stellar clusters as planet-forming environments

Abstract Most stars and thus most planetary systems do not form in isolation. The larger star-forming environment affects protoplanetary disks multiple ways: Gravitational interactions with other truncate alter the architectures of exoplanet systems; external irradiation from nearby high-mass truncates shortens their lifetimes; remaining gas dust affect dynamical evolution (if removed by feedback processes) provide some shielding for irradiation. region regulates when how long various mechanisms impact disks. Density is a key parameter that intensity duration UV frequency encounters. complexes may also play an important role mixing populations. Observations suggest clusters are single-age population but populations small age differences, which be to resolving several timescale issues (i.e., proplyd lifetimes, enrichment). In this review, we consider stellar as ecosystems therefore planets form. We review recent observational theoretical results highlight upcoming contributions facilities expected begin observations next 5 years. Looking further ahead, argue frontier large-scale surveys low-mass more distant regions. future ecosystem studies bright faint regions will routinely observable era extremely large telescopes.