Spatially Varying Stellar Opacity Model
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Date
2017-04
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
IOP Science
Abstract
Using Larson (1982)’s empirical law as a solid foundational basis for our central
thesis – for a plausible solution to the radiation problem of massive star formation, we
argue in favour of a spatially varying dust-and-gas opacity. This spatially varying dust-
and-gas opacity allows us to present – what appears to us, as – a perdurable solution to
the long-standing riddle of massive star formation and the radiation barrier problem. In
the proposed solution, massive stars form in the gravitationally bound dense dust-and-gas
centres of massive molecular clouds via monolithic core accretion where the radiation
problem is non-existent. Influenced by the radial mass profile, the opacity increases systematically
from the stellar right up to the molecular cloud (core) surface. The opacity at
the stellar surface is unbelievably ultra-low (∼ 10−12 kg−1m2) so much that, the radiation
field should not be an impediment to accretion of any form – be it via direct radial
in-fall of matter onto the nascent star or accretion through the disk. Ultimately, this model
favours massive star formation via a scaled-up version of low mass star formation.
Description
Journal Article
Keywords
accretion, massive, star, formation, radiation, problem
Citation
Nyambuya G. G. 2017. Spatially Varying Stellar Opacity Model : A Plausible Solution to the Radiation Problem of Massive Star Formation. Research in Astronomy and Astrophysics