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Sagar_C
- 30
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How does one analytically estimate star formation rate in a plasma cloud? Could someone lead me to original references? Kennicutt-Schmidt Law, I guess, is empirical.
The Kennicutt-Schmidt Law is a mathematical relationship that describes the rate at which stars are formed in a galaxy. It states that the star formation rate is proportional to the gas density raised to a power of approximately 1.4.
The star formation rate can be estimated by measuring the gas density in a galaxy and applying the Kennicutt-Schmidt Law. This can be done using various methods such as observing the emission from molecular gas or measuring the amount of dust in a galaxy.
There are several factors that can affect the accuracy of the estimated star formation rate. These include the presence of other sources of gas heating or cooling, the distribution of gas within a galaxy, and the presence of dust that can obscure measurements of gas density.
Yes, there are some limitations to the Kennicutt-Schmidt Law. It is based on observations of star formation in nearby galaxies and may not accurately apply to more distant or extreme galaxies. Additionally, it does not take into account the effects of stellar feedback or the role of magnetic fields in star formation.
The Kennicutt-Schmidt Law is an important tool in understanding the process of star formation in galaxies and how it contributes to the evolution of galaxies over time. It helps us to better understand the relationship between gas and star formation, and how this process may differ in different types of galaxies. It also provides a way to estimate the total amount of stars that have formed in a galaxy, which can help us to understand the overall history and future of that galaxy.