On the energetics of dense molecular clouds
Abstract
Some results of theoretical model calculations of a massive, constant density molecular cloud which is energized by an early type star located near the edge of the cloud are discussed. Attention is given to the dust temperature distribution in a meridian plane of the cloud, the surface brightness distribution at a wavelength of 350 microns, and brightness profiles along the main diameter. It is shown that the radiation from the ionizing star is capable of providing the full heating to the dust and accounting for the observed brightness distributions without requiring any substantial contribution from other sources. In addition, the observation of two sources apparently separated from each other, one centered in the H II region surrounding the early type star and another coinciding with the molecular region is not, per se, quite enough to conclude that two distinct sources of energy actually exist.
- Publication:
-
Memorie della Societa Astronomica Italiana
- Pub Date:
- March 1980
- Bibcode:
- 1980MmSAI..51..181N
- Keywords:
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- Astrophysics;
- Cosmic Dust;
- Interstellar Matter;
- Brightness;
- H Ii Regions;
- Stellar Radiation;
- Temperature Distribution;
- Astrophysics