Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
Feb 1986
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1986apj...301...77s&link_type=abstract
Astrophysical Journal, Part 1 (ISSN 0004-637X), vol. 301, Feb. 1, 1986, p. 77-82.
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
51
Galactic Evolution, Molecular Clouds, Star Distribution, Star Formation, Astronomical Models, Density Wave Model, Interstellar Gas, Oort Cloud, Perturbation Theory, Stellar Winds, Tides
Scientific paper
Star formation in galaxies is often associated with large-scale disturbances such as density waves and direct and tidal galaxy encounters. An explanation based on the nonlinear behavior of the Oort model for interstellar cloud evolution and star formation when subjected to such perturbations is suggested. The behavior depends critically on only one parameter: the ratio of the time delay between the formation of massive star-forming clouds and the disruption of these clouds by internal stellar winds and explosions to the equilibrium collision time scale. When this ratio is much smaller than unity, the system is extremely stable. However, as this ratio increases toward unity and larger, the system exhibits limit cycles and eventually a transition to chaotic behavior, in both cases accompanied by bursts of star formation. The possible relevance of these results to a variety of galactic phenomena, especially star formation bursts induced by tidal encounters between galaxies, is discussed.
Scalo John M.
Struck-Marcell Curtis
No associations
LandOfFree
A physical mechanism for bursts of star formation does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with A physical mechanism for bursts of star formation, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and A physical mechanism for bursts of star formation will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1674725