marmot said:Hey.
Is there a sort of percentage known of how much mass in the universe is in molecular clouds compared to stars. I need this for a work I am doing. Thanks
The mass of molecular clouds refers to the total amount of gas and dust within a specific region in space, while the mass of stars refers to the amount of matter contained within individual stars. These two values can vary significantly, as molecular clouds can contain enough material to form hundreds or even thousands of stars.
The masses of molecular clouds and stars are closely related, as molecular clouds are the birthplace of stars. The gas and dust within these clouds collapse under their own gravity, forming denser regions that eventually become stars. Therefore, the mass of a molecular cloud can give us an indication of how many stars are likely to form within it.
Studying the masses of molecular clouds and stars can give us valuable insights into the processes of star formation and the evolution of galaxies. By understanding the relationship between these two values, we can better understand how stars and galaxies form and evolve over time.
The mass of molecular clouds is typically measured by observing the amount of light or radiation emitted by the gas and dust within the cloud. This can then be converted into a mass using known relationships between light emission and mass. The mass of stars can be measured through various methods, such as tracking their orbital motions or observing their brightness and temperature.
Yes, the mass of molecular clouds and stars can change over time. Molecular clouds can lose mass through processes such as star formation and gas expulsion, while stars can gain or lose mass through various mechanisms such as accretion, nuclear fusion, and stellar winds. These changes in mass can have significant impacts on the evolution of galaxies and the formation of new stars.