Other
Scientific paper
May 2011
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2011iaus..280e...2c&link_type=abstract
The Molecular Universe, Proceedings of the 280th Symposium of the International Astronomical Union held in Toledo, Spain, May 30
Other
1
Scientific paper
Stars like our Sun and planets like our Earth form in dense regions within interstellar molecular clouds, called pre-stellar cores (PSCs). PSCs provide the initial conditions in the process of star and planet formation. In the past 10 years, detailed observations of (low-mass) PSCs in nearby molecular cloud complexes have allowed us to find that they are cold (T < 10 K) and quiescent (molecular line widths are close to thermal), with a chemistry profoundly affected by molecular freeze-out onto dust grains. In these conditions, deuterated molecules flourish, becoming the best tools to unveil the PSC physical and chemical structure. Despite of their apparent simplicity, PSCs still offer puzzles to solve and they are far from being completely understood. For example, what is happening to the gas and dust in their nuclei (the future stellar cradles) is still a mystery that awaits for ALMA. Other important questions are: how do different environments and external conditions affect the PSC physical/chemical structure? Are PSCs in high-mass star forming regions similar to the well known low-mass PSCs? In this talk I will (i) review recent observational work on PSCs in nearby molecular cloud complexes; (ii) highlight differences between isolated PSCs and those found in low-mass cluster forming regions; (iii) compare nearby PSCs with those found in more distant high-mass star forming regions, with particular attention to massive Infrared Dark Clouds (IRDCs), which host the initial conditions for stellar cluster and high-mass star formation. Herschel results will be highlighted.
No associations
LandOfFree
Observational studies of pre-stellar cores and IRDCs 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 Observational studies of pre-stellar cores and IRDCs, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Observational studies of pre-stellar cores and IRDCs will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-927911