For the emergence of life on any planet in the universe requires several conditions, for example, the presence of the atmosphere, the ozone layer, water in liquid form and a favorable temperature on the surface.
But in order to reach this point, the planet itself must first appear, and this requires the presence of material in the star’s orbit, as well as a calm environment in its surroundings, and, according to a new study, nature itself controls this process: a special force expressed in ultraviolet and optical radiation of newly formed luminaries, it counteracts gravity, slowing the star formation rate in galaxies and providing an environment convenient for survival and the formation of worlds.
If star formation occurred very quickly, then all the stars would be trapped in massive clusters. In such conditions, intense radiation and supernova explosions would kill all life in the old planetary systems, and also prevent the emergence of new ones.
-Roland Crocker, lead author of a study from the Australian National University
Gravity is essential for star formation. Most of them are born in stellar nurseries – dense molecular clouds filled with dust and gas. Under the action of interstellar winds and shock waves at some point, the material gathered in bunches, reaching the point of no return is compressed into dense clumps. Further, these collapsed embryos continue to accumulate the surrounding substance, quickly gaining mass until nuclear fusion causes them to shine.
But what hinders the process of star formation, which, otherwise, would tirelessly form aggressive and life-unfriendly clusters of massive stars?
According to a study, the emission of starlight causes gas to be blown out of dense isolated star protoclusters undergoing rapid star formation and prevents their further merging.
Ultraviolet and optical light from massive new stars is scattered in dense clouds. The absorption of photons by the gas creates a direct radiation pressure, and the subsequent infrared re-radiation produces an indirect. Together, these two forces oppose gravity and are the source of feedback – the process of suppression of star formation.
The phenomenon we studied is peculiar to galaxies and star clusters enriched with dust and gas, in which stars are formed relatively quickly. This and other forms of feedback help the universe remain alive.
-Roland Crocker
Which natural power allows the universe to remain alive?
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