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Observational Properties of Molecular Outflows
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 25 May 2016
Abstract
Molecular outflows are intimately related to the highly collimated Herbig–Haro jets emanating from young stars. In consequence, the usual dynamical timescale significantly underestimates the true age of an outflow. If we correct for this factor, and assume an intrinsic outflow speed similar to that of the underlying jet, we predict that molecular outflows should have an overall extent of several parsecs, in accordance with recent results. It seems likely therefore that outflows are a major source of interstellar turbulence, and have a profound impact on the process of star formation.
Whilst interpretation of jet-like outflows is relatively straightforward, the origins of shell-like outflows, such as that from L 1551–IRS5, are less obvious. We discuss the current observational status of both types of flow, and hypothesize an evolutionary connection between them. A large and well-defined outflow sample is urgently required, to permit the establishment of an age-sequence; such a sample would also provide the basis for a proper investigation of outflow energetics and interaction with the ISM.
- Type
- II. The Physics and Chemistry of Molecular Outflows
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- Copyright © Kluwer 1997
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