AST-303intermediate

Molecular Clouds & Gravitational Collapse: Physical Mechanisms

Stars form inside the coldest, densest parts of molecular clouds, enormous complexes made mostly of molecular hydrogen with helium, dust, and trace molecules. Cloud-collapse physics determines where stars form, how efficiently a cloud converts gas into stars, and why stars commonly form in groups.

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Molecular Clouds & Gravitational Collapse: Physical Mechanisms

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AST-302Molecular Clouds & Gravitational Collapse: Structures & Vocabulary→

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AST-304Molecular Clouds & Gravitational Collapse: Observation, Measurement & Evidence→

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Stars form inside the coldest, densest parts of molecular clouds, enormous complexes made mostly of molecular hydrogen with helium, dust, and trace molecules.

supported

A dense core can become gravitationally unstable when its mass and density exceed the support available from internal motions and temperature.