What external phenomenon can compress a Giant Molecular Cloud to trigger collapse?

Answer

External shockwaves from a nearby supernova explosion

Even extremely cold Giant Molecular Clouds often exist in a tenuous equilibrium where internal pressure roughly balances gravity. To initiate the decisive collapse required for star formation, this balance must be upset. One powerful mechanism for achieving this upset is the impact of external shockwaves. When a massive star explodes as a supernova, it sends a powerful ripple, or shockwave, through the interstellar medium. When this wave strikes a GMC, it compresses localized regions, creating areas of higher density. These denser pockets become heavy enough for gravity to take over, initiating the gravitational freefall and subsequent fragmentation necessary for star birth.

What external phenomenon can compress a Giant Molecular Cloud to trigger collapse?

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