On the possibility of the long lifetime of molecular clouds

TL;DR

This paper explores the potential for some molecular clouds to have significantly longer lifetimes than traditionally thought, possibly avoiding transition to atomic gas, with magnetic fields delaying star formation.

Contribution

It proposes that magnetic fields can significantly delay star formation, allowing molecular clouds to persist longer without becoming diffuse atomic gas.

Findings

Some molecular clouds may have extended lifetimes.

Magnetic fields can delay star formation in these clouds.

Long-lived clouds may not transition into atomic gas.

Abstract

Arguments are given that at least a fraction of molecular clouds may live much longer time that it is usually assumed, without the transition into diffuse atomic gas (HI). We propose that star formation in these clouds may be strongly delayed and weakened by the magnetic field.