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3. The role of accretion in stellar evolution

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 August 2017

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The development of astronomical knowledge has now reached a stage where a precise description of the details of star formation has become a major issue. The enormous degree of contraction that occurs in stellar condensation, a concentration sufficient to increase the density of material from, say, 10-22gr./cm.3 up to ultimate values of the order of I gm./cm.3, gives a sure indication of the important part played by gravitational forces. Apart from gravitation, gas pressure must be accorded a significant place in the early stages of the process. It has been suggested that radiation pressure should also be included among the forces that determine the onset of condensation.

Type
Part IV Symposia
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1954