Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2006-09-25
Astrophys.J.654:988-997,2007
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
23 pages, 6 figures, to appear in the Astrophysical Journal
Scientific paper
10.1086/509321
We suggest that the Orion A cloud is gravitationally collapsing on large scales, and is producing the Orion Nebula Cluster due to the focusing effects of gravity acting within a finite cloud geometry. In support of this suggestion, we show how an elliptical rotating sheet of gas with a modest density gradient along the major axis can collapse to produce a structure qualitatively resembling Orion A, with a fan-shaped structure at one end, ridges or filaments along the fan, and a narrow curved filament at the other end reminiscent of the famous integral-shaped filament. The model produces a local concentration of mass within the narrow filament which in principle could form a dense cluster of stars like that of the Orion Nebula. We suggest that global gravitational contraction might be a more common feature of molecular clouds than previously recognized, and that the formation of star clusters is a dynamic process resulting from the focusing effects of gravity acting upon the geometry of finite clouds.
Burkert Andreas
Hartmann Lee
No associations
LandOfFree
On the Structure of the Orion A Cloud and the Formation of the Orion Nebula Cluster 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 On the Structure of the Orion A Cloud and the Formation of the Orion Nebula Cluster, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and On the Structure of the Orion A Cloud and the Formation of the Orion Nebula Cluster will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-14898