NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Molecular cloud evolution and star formationThe present state of knowledge of the relationship between molecular clouds and young stars is reviewed. The determination of physical parameters from molecular line observations is summarized, and evidence for fragmentation of molecular clouds is discussed. Hierarchical fragmentation is reviewed, minimum fragment scales are derived, and the stability against fragmentation of both spherically and anisotropically collapsing clouds is discussed. Observational evidence for high-velocity flows in clouds is summarized, and the effects of winds from pre-main sequence stars on molecular gas are discussed. The triggering of cloud collapse by enhanced pressure is addressed, as is the formation of dense shells by spherical outflows and their subsequent breakup. A model for low-mass star formation is presented, and constraints on star formation from the initial mass function are examined. The properties of giant molecular clouds and massive star formation are described. The implications of magnetic fields for cloud evolution and star formation are addressed.
Document ID
19860046872
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Silk, J.
(CNRS, Institut d'Astrophysique, Paris, France; California, University Berkeley, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1985
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Accession Number
86A31610
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available