Theory 90/Cosmic/Star formation
Star Formation Is Density Against Free Fall
The claim
Star formation rate per unit gas is set by the ratio of gas density to free-fall time, so dense clouds convert gas more efficiently.
01Mechanism
Collapse requires gravity to overcome turbulence and magnetic support; the ratio sets the fraction that collapses.
02Prediction
Rate should track the ratio.
03Refutation
Rate tracking gas mass alone would remove density.