What can trigger the gravitational collapse within a molecular cloud?

Answer

Shockwave from a supernova explosion

The stability within a molecular cloud is maintained by the outward internal gas pressure balancing the inward pull of self-gravity. For star formation to commence, this delicate equilibrium must be upset to favor collapse. Several astrophysical phenomena can act as triggers. One noted mechanism is the powerful shockwave propagating outward from a nearby supernova explosion, which compresses regions of the cloud. Other causes mentioned include gravitational disturbances caused by the proximity of another cloud or internal fluctuations in density and turbulence naturally occurring within the vast cloud structure itself. Only when gravity dominates can the collapse initiate and lead to the formation of denser cores.

What can trigger the gravitational collapse within a molecular cloud?

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