Structure of molecular clouds. II - Clouds without prominent star formation
Abstract
The available observations (mainly CO line observations) are used to derive the probable structure of molecular clouds which do not have prominent star formation. The probabilities for turbulence, collapse and random motion models are discussed. It is concluded that no definite choice can be made, but it is possible to strongly limit the structural freedom in each model. The turbulent model is only possible if the temperature decreases to the center of the cloud and fractionation is important. The collapse model indicates an early stage of collapse but the mass motion cannot be purely radial. The mass motions in the random model must be strongly nonradial. Mass and abundance as well as isotope ratio determinations are discussed.
- Publication:
-
Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Pub Date:
- September 1980
- Bibcode:
- 1980A&A....89..264S
- Keywords:
-
- Astronomical Models;
- Hydrogen Clouds;
- Interstellar Chemistry;
- Molecular Clouds;
- Radiative Transfer;
- Star Formation;
- Astronomical Maps;
- Carbon Monoxide;
- Radio Spectra;
- Spectral Line Width;
- Astrophysics