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The Structure of Cold Molecular Cloud Cores

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 September 2016

D. Ward-Thompson
Affiliation:
Dept of Physics, Cardiff University, PO Box 913, Cardiff, UK
D. J. Nutter
Affiliation:
Dept of Physics, Cardiff University, PO Box 913, Cardiff, UK
J. M. Kirk
Affiliation:
Dept of Astronomy, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL61801, USA
P. André
Affiliation:
CEA/DSM/DAPNIA, Service d'Astrophysique, Saclay, France

Abstract

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A brief summary is presented of our current knowledge of the structure of cold molecular cloud cores that do not contain protostars, sometimes known as starless cores. The most centrally condensed starless cores are known as pre-stellar cores. These cores probably represent observationally the initial conditions for protostellar collapse that must be input into all models of star formation. The current debate over the nature of core density profiles is summarised. A cautionary note is sounded over the use of such profiles to ascertain the equilibrium status of cores. The magnetic field structure of pre-stellar cores is also briefly discussed.

Type
Part 2: From Molecular Clouds to Protostellar Cores
Copyright
Copyright © Astronomical Society of the Pacific 2004 

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