Hypersonic Molecular Shocks in Star Forming Regions

Abstract

Much emission from star forming regions is from shock-excited gas. Shocks in molecular clouds are still not fully understood, as magnetic fields, dust and chemistry all play significant roles. I review the history, physics and current work in understanding these shocks, and in their possible use as diagnostics of local conditions.

To be published as a chapter in 'Diffuse Matter from Star Forming Regions to Active Galaxies' - A volume Honouring John Dyson. Eds. T. W. Harquist, J. M. Pittard and S. A. E. G. Falle. 17 pages, 4 figures

References in corpus (7)

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• Formation of Structure in Molecular Clouds: A Case Study
• Grain Evolution across the Shocks in the L1448-mm Outflow
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• The Molecular Condensations Ahead of Herbig-Haro Objects. III. Radiative and dynamical perturbations of the HH 2 condensation
• The near-infrared excitation of the HH211 protostellar outflow
• Multifluid, Magnetohydrodynamic Shock Waves with Grain Dynamics II. Dust and the Critical Speed for C Shocks