An analytic column density profile to fit prestellar cores

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics – Solar and Stellar Astrophysics

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

v2: additional references, and minor revisions

Scientific paper

10.1111/j.1365-2966.2009.14616.x

We present a new analytical three-parameter formula to fit observed column density profiles of prestellar cores. It represents a line-of-sight integral through a spherically symmetric or disc-like isothermal cloud. The underlying model resembles the Bonnor-Ebert model in that it features a flat central region leading into a power-law decline \propto r^{-2} in density, and a well-defined outer radius. However, we do not assume that the cloud is in equilibrium, and can instead make qualitative statements about its dynamical state (expansion, equilibrium, collapse) using the size of the flat region as a proxy. Instead of having temperature as a fitting parameter, our model includes it as input, and thus avoids possible inconsistencies. It is significantly easier to fit to observational data than the Bonnor-Ebert sphere. We apply this model to L1689B and B68. We show that L1689B cannot be in equilibrium but instead appears to be collapsing, while our model verifies that B68 is not far from being a hydrostatic object.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

An analytic column density profile to fit prestellar cores 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 An analytic column density profile to fit prestellar cores, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and An analytic column density profile to fit prestellar cores will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-486867

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.