Astronomy & Space Science · AST-301
Molecular Clouds & Gravitational Collapse: Foundations
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Overview
Core model: Molecular Clouds & Gravitational Collapse
Stars form inside the coldest, densest parts of molecular clouds, enormous complexes made mostly of molecular hydrogen with helium, dust, and trace molecules. A cloud does not collapse merely because gravity exists; collapse begins when self-gravity overcomes the combination of thermal pressure, turbulence, magnetic support, and rotation in a sufficiently dense region.
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- 01The Birth of Stars and the Discovery of Planets outside the Solar System — SummaryOpen source ↗
OpenStax Astronomy 2e
View claim-by-claim traceability3 verified claims
Stars form inside the coldest, densest parts of molecular clouds, enormous complexes made mostly of molecular hydrogen with helium, dust, and trace molecules.
supported · checked Sep 22, 2026A dense core can become gravitationally unstable when its mass and density exceed the support available from internal motions and temperature.
supported · checked Sep 22, 2026Radio observations of molecules such as carbon monoxide trace cold gas that is otherwise difficult to detect, while infrared and submillimeter observations reveal dense dust cores and embedded young stars.
supported · checked Sep 22, 2026