Knowra Stochastic self-propagating star formation model Stochastic self-propagating star formation model A model of galactic star formation in which active star-forming regions probabilistically trigger new star formation in neighboring regions. It treats propagation as a stochastic process rather than a deterministic wave.
Self-propagating star formation : A process in which star formation in one region helps initiate star formation in nearby regions. The model formalizes this broader propagation idea using probabilistic triggering.
Interstellar medium : The gas, plasma, dust, and radiation occupying the space between stars. The model’s neighboring regions are portions of the galactic interstellar medium.
Spiral galaxy : A galaxy with a rotating disk containing spiral arms, stars, gas, and dust. The model has been used to examine how star formation spreads through galactic disks.
William H. Press : An American astrophysicist whose work spans cosmology, gravitation, and computational physics. Press coauthored influential work modeling star formation as a stochastic propagation process.
Sequential star formation : Star formation in one location prompts later star formation in adjacent locations. It describes the ordered local triggering that the stochastic model makes probabilistic.
Molecular cloud : A cold, dense interstellar cloud composed mainly of molecular hydrogen. Molecular clouds provide much of the dense gas from which stars form.
Spiral arm : A curved, elongated region of enhanced stars, gas, and dust in a spiral galaxy. Propagating star formation can contribute to patterns of young stars within a disk.
Paul Schechter : An American astronomer known for the Schechter luminosity function and work on galaxy populations. Schechter coauthored the stochastic self-propagating star formation model.
Stellar feedback : The effects of radiation, winds, and explosions from stars on surrounding gas. Feedback from young stars can compress neighboring gas and trigger another episode.
Jeans instability : The gravitational instability by which a sufficiently dense gas region collapses. Triggered compression can push gas toward gravitational collapse.
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