NASA NTRS · 19870038108
Molecular clouds in galaxies with different Z - Fragmentation of diffuse clouds driven by opacity
Abstract
Molecular clouds are formed from diffuse interstellar clouds when the external ultraviolet radiation field is prevented from penetrating into the cloud. The opacity is provided mainly by dust grains and the required column density to the cloud center is larger than about 5 x 10 to the 20th (solar Z/Z)/sq cm. This high-opacity criterion could have a significant impact on the radial trends observed in spiral galaxies, and on the distinctions between spiral and dwarf irregular galaxies.
Keep this discovery
Explore connections, maps & timelines
Franco, Jose, Cox, Donald P.. 1986-10-01. Molecular clouds in galaxies with different Z - Fragmentation of diffuse clouds driven by opacity. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/19870038108
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.