What tangible models do scientists use to test theories on fragmentation in star formation?

Physical, 3D-printed models based on observational data.

Understanding the highly complex dynamics governing gravitational collapse, fragmentation, and accretion within cosmic clouds often requires methods beyond standard digital modeling. Modern astrophysics researchers have incorporated tangible, physical representations derived from actual observational data. Specifically, they utilize physical, three-dimensional printed models. These solid, tactile models allow researchers to physically test hypotheses about how material is distributed and fragments during collapse in a way that purely computational simulations sometimes fail to capture the full analog behavior of the physical forces at work light-years away.