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popffabrik1
- 5
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Hey, can anybody tell me what the estimate is on the mean mass of a particle in the interstellar medium? I would guess around 1-10 proton masses?
The interstellar medium refers to the matter and radiation that exists between stars in a galaxy. It is composed of gas (mostly hydrogen and helium) and dust, and is the raw material for star formation.
Scientists use a variety of methods to estimate the mean mass of particles in the ISM. One method involves measuring the amount of light absorbed by the ISM and using this to calculate the density of particles. Another method involves studying the motion of gas and dust in the ISM to estimate the mass of particles.
The mean mass of particles in the ISM plays a crucial role in understanding the formation and evolution of stars and galaxies. It also helps us understand the physical processes that occur in the ISM, such as the formation of molecules and the production of cosmic rays.
The estimated mean mass of particles in the ISM is about 10^-24 grams. This is approximately one hundredth of the mass of a hydrogen atom.
The mean mass of particles in the ISM can vary greatly depending on the location within the galaxy. In regions with high levels of star formation, the mean mass of particles may be lower due to the presence of smaller, younger stars. In contrast, in regions with less star formation, the mean mass of particles may be higher as larger, older stars have had time to evolve and produce heavier elements.