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Molecular clouds are aggregations of rarefied gas (mainly hydrogen) from which stars can form. Often the impetus for star formation is an energetic shock wave from a nearby cosmic event such as a supernova. This compresses the gas along the shock front, causing it to clump. A situation of positive feedback can ensue, the clump becoming more massive, thus having a larger gravitational attraction (since gravity depends on mass). This increased attraction draws more material in, thus increasing the mass...

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A shock compressed molecular cloud is a dense region of interstellar gas and dust that has been compressed and heated due to the passage of a shock wave from a nearby supernova explosion or some other energetic event. This compression can trigger the formation of new stars within the cloud.

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If you wanted to observe a molecular cloud in what wavelength of light would you most likely observe?

You would most likely observe a molecular cloud in the infrared wavelength of light. This is because molecular clouds are dense regions of gas and dust where new stars are forming, and infrared light can penetrate the dust and reveal the inner structure and temperature of the cloud.


Where is Sagitarius B?

Sagittarius B is a complex region of the Milky Way galaxy located in the constellation of Sagittarius. It is a part of the larger Sagittarius molecular cloud, which is one of the most active star-forming regions in our galaxy.


Why does a molecular cloud flatten out as it collapses?

A molecular cloud flattens out as it collapses due to conservation of angular momentum. As the cloud contracts, any slight initial rotation becomes amplified, causing the cloud to flatten into a disk shape. This rotation also plays a role in the formation of a protostar at the center of the collapsing cloud.


When a cloud fragment has compressed enough so that it glows?

When a cloud fragment compresses enough to glow, it indicates that the pressure and temperature within the fragment have reached a critical point where nuclear fusion reactions can start in its core. This marks the beginning of a star's formation, as gravitational forces continue to compact the cloud and nuclear reactions sustain the star's energy production.

Related questions

The most common molecule in a molecular cloud is?

The most common molecule in a molecular cloud is molecular hydrogen (H2).


Are supernova remnants found inside of open clusters?

Partly: The formation of an open cluster begins with the collapse of part of a giant molecular cloud (a dense cloud of gas containing thousands of times the mass of the Sun) Many factors could trigger the collapse of a giant molecular cloud (or part of it) and a burst of star formation which will result in an open cluster, including shock waves from a nearby supernova and gravitational interactions.


What does the gravitational force in a molecular cloud depends on?

The gravitational force in a molecular cloud depends on the mass of the cloud and the distance between particles. The force is stronger when there is more mass within the cloud and when particles are closer together.


Is Solar nebula a star?

No, its a molecular cloud.


How do you remove the top nut on the rear shock of a 1997 Lincoln town car?

The rear shock spring will need to be compressed with a spring compressor. When the spring is compressed the top nut can easily be removed.


What is the Scale for universe molecular cloud galaxy star planet asteroid and atom biggest to smallest?

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Can Novice replace the shock-sturt 1997 Cavalier?

A novice should not try to replace a shock strut. The strut spring needs to be compressed, in order to remove it. The compressed shock spring will be under several hundred pounds of pressure. This can create a very dangerous situation for the novice.


When a cloud fragment has compressed enough so that it glows?

When a cloud fragment compresses enough to glow, it indicates that the pressure and temperature within the fragment have reached a critical point where nuclear fusion reactions can start in its core. This marks the beginning of a star's formation, as gravitational forces continue to compact the cloud and nuclear reactions sustain the star's energy production.


What is the most abundant material in a giant molecular cloud?

Hydrogen


What is the birthplace of stars called?

The birthplace of stars is called a stellar nursery or star-forming region. These regions are often found within interstellar clouds of gas and dust where gravitational forces cause these materials to collapse and form new stars.


Can a shock wave disrupt an interstellar cloud from creating a star?

On the contrary, shock waves from supernovae can actually trigger star formation.


How many stars are made at once?

Depends on the size of the molecular cloud. But million to billions.