Which event can act as an initial trigger causing a molecular cloud to begin gravitational collapse?
Answer
Shockwave generated by a nearby supernova explosion
For star formation to begin, the gas cloud must overcome its internal resistance, including internal pressure and turbulence, requiring an external push to initiate the collapse. Several external events can provide this necessary trigger. One potent mechanism is the shockwave propagating outwards from a nearby supernova explosion, which compresses regions of the cloud. Other potential triggers mentioned include the pressure exerted by the intense radiation streaming from a nearby hot, massive star, or slower compression resulting from the rotation and subsequent collision of two separate molecular clouds.
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