When parts of a gas collapse under the influence of gravity, the first place where material tends to form clumps is typically in regions where the gas has some initial density fluctuations or perturbations. These fluctuations can be caused by various factors, such as:
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Temperature Variations: Areas with slightly lower temperatures can hold more mass, leading to increased density, which can initiate clumping.
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Turbulence: Turbulent flows in the gas can create regions of varying density. The denser regions are more likely to collapse under gravity.
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External Forces: Interactions with nearby matter or external gravitational fields can influence the motion of gas particles, creating areas of increased density.
Once these denser regions form, they can attract more gas particles due to gravitational forces, leading to further clumping and the eventual formation of structures like stars, planets, or other astronomical objects. In astrophysical contexts, this process is commonly referred to as gravitational collapse.
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