What are the fundamental raw materials needed for new star formation?
Answer
Cold, dense molecular gas and dust
The creation of a new star fundamentally requires substantial reservoirs of specific material—namely, cold, dense molecular gas and dust. These components constitute the necessary raw ingredients that must accumulate and reach sufficient density for gravitational collapse to overcome internal pressure and initiate stellar ignition. Spiral galaxies maintain moderate reserves of this material, and irregular galaxies often possess high reserves, which fuels their activity. Elliptical galaxies are specifically defined by their severe depletion of these essential components, having expended them previously.
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