What often provides the necessary trigger to initiate gravitational collapse in a stable molecular cloud?
Answer
Shockwave propagating from a nearby supernova explosion
The initial trigger for collapse often requires an external disturbance, such as the shockwave from a nearby supernova explosion, intense radiation pressure from massive stars, or pressure from passing spiral galaxy arms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the immense, cold clouds of gas and dust where star genesis begins generally called?What is the approximate temperature range typically found in these stellar birthplaces?What often provides the necessary trigger to initiate gravitational collapse in a stable molecular cloud?What principle causes a collapsing cloud fragment to spin faster and flatten into a disk?What is the name given to the object forming at the center of the collapsing mass before sustained nuclear fusion begins?How is a protostar primarily heated during its formation stage?What phase immediately precedes a star achieving sustained hydrogen fusion?What is the defining core temperature threshold required for sustained hydrogen fusion to ignite?What outcome occurs if the collapsing mass is too small (less than about 0.08 solar masses)?What state marks the official birth of a true star upon ignition of fusion?