We study the formation of molecular hydrogen in cooling gas behind shocks produced during the blow-away process thought to occur in the first collapsed, luminous (Pop III) objects in the early universe. We find that for a wide range of physical parameters the H₂ fraction is f ≈ 6 × 10⁻³. The H₂ mass produced in such explosions can exceed the amount of relic H₂ destroyed inside the photodissociation region surrounding a given Pop III. We conclude that these first objects, differently from the suggestion of Haiman et al 1997, might have a net positive feedback on subsequent galactic formation. We discuss the effects of radiation and the implications of our results for the soft-UV background.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Andrea Ferrara (1998) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: