What physical state characterizes the temperature within dense, cold molecular clouds intended for star formation?
Answer
They are extremely cold, often only tens of degrees above absolute zero.
The dense molecular clouds that serve as the cradles for new stars exist in conditions of extreme cold. This frigid environment is necessary for gravitational collapse to overcome the internal kinetic energy (pressure) of the gas molecules. Specifically, these regions maintain temperatures that are exceedingly low, often measured to be just tens of degrees above the theoretical minimum temperature known as absolute zero. This cold state helps stabilize the material until external triggers or internal gravitational instability leads to the formation of molecular clumps that begin the process of star system genesis.
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