Why do some nebulae form into stars while others remain diffuse?

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Nebulae vary in their ability to form stars due to differences in density and gravitational forces. Some nebulae are too diffuse, lacking sufficient gravity to collapse into stars, while others have enough density to trigger star formation. The Orion Nebula serves as an example, where dense regions lead to the formation of hot young stars. The gravitational forces within these clouds play a crucial role in determining their fate. Ultimately, the density of a nebula is key to whether it remains diffuse or evolves into a star.
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Since Nebulae are in "cloud" like structures, why does it not form itself into a sphere based on the highest density of which the largest amount of mass is held? resembling an extremely large gas planet.
 
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Some nebulae are simply too diffuse for the gravitation forces to be high enough to pull them together...and ones that are dense enough eventually collapse into stars.
 
russ_watters said:
Welcome to PF!

Some nebulae are simply too diffuse for the gravitation forces to be high enough to pull them together...and ones that are dense enough eventually collapse into stars.

yup
as with the hot young stars of the Trapesium in the Orion Nebula ( M42)

Dave
 

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