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Protostar formation in the early universe
Naoki Yoshida1, Kazuyuki Omukai, Lars Hernquist
1Department of Physics, Nagoya University, Furocho, Chikusa, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8602, Japan. nyoshida@a.phys.nagoya-u.ac.jp
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|August 2, 2008
Summary
Scientists simulated the formation of the first stars. Big Bang density fluctuations can seed a tiny protostar, a precursor to massive primordial stars.
Area of Science:
- Cosmology
- Astrophysics
- Stellar Evolution
Background:
- The formation and nature of the first stars (Population III stars) in the early universe are not well understood.
- Cosmic structure growth is theorized to occur hierarchically via gravitational instability.
- Observational evidence suggests the existence of massive primordial stars in the early universe.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the formation mechanisms of the first stars using ab initio computer simulations.
- To model the atomic and molecular processes in primordial gas within an expanding universe.
Main Methods:
- Developed an ab initio computer simulation.
- Simulated the formation of primordial stars by tracking atomic and molecular processes.
- Incorporated an expanding universe model.
Main Results:
- Simulations show that primordial density fluctuations from the Big Bang can initiate star formation.
- A tiny protostar, approximately 1% of the Sun's mass, can form from these fluctuations.
- This protostar acts as a seed for the subsequent development of massive primordial stars.
Conclusions:
- Primordial density fluctuations are a viable mechanism for initiating the formation of the first stars.
- The simulation provides a pathway for understanding the origin of massive stars in the early universe.
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