Publication Date:
2011-08-18
Description:
The pre-main sequence X-ray emitting stars observed in molecular clouds appear to provide the bulk of the ionization. Newly forming stars therefore control the coupling of the magnetic field to the cloud. Since this coupling itself is believed to be responsible for the rate of cloud collapse, it is suggested that there is a natural feedback mechanism, involving observed X-rays, which is capable of regulating molecular cloud evolution and the rate of star formation.
Keywords:
ASTROPHYSICS
Type:
Astrophysical Journal, Part 2 - Letters to the Editor (ISSN 0004-637X); 272; Sept. 15
Format:
text