# Fibers in the NGC1333 proto-cluster

## TL;DR

This study reveals that dense gas fibers, similar to those in low-mass clouds, are present in the NGC1333 proto-cluster, suggesting a common initial structure in both clustered and non-clustered star formation.

## Contribution

It provides the first detailed analysis of gas fibers in a high-mass, clustered star-forming region, extending the concept of fertile fibers beyond low-mass clouds.

## Key findings

- Identified 14 velocity-coherent fibers in NGC1333.
- Fibers have similar properties to those in low-mass star-forming regions.
- Fibers form a complex network containing dense cores and protostars.

## Abstract

Are the initial conditions for clustered star formation the same as for non-clustered star formation? To investigate the initial gas properties in young proto-clusters we carried out a comprehensive and high-sensitivity study of the internal structure, density, temperature, and kinematics of the dense gas content of the NGC1333 region in Perseus, one of the nearest and best studied embedded clusters. The analysis of the gas velocities in the Position-Position-Velocity space reveals an intricate underlying gas organization both in space and velocity. We identified a total of 14 velocity-coherent, (tran-)sonic structures within NGC1333, with similar physical and kinematic properties than those quiescent, star-forming (aka fertile) fibers previously identified in low-mass star-forming clouds. These fibers are arranged in a complex spatial network, build-up the observed total column density, and contain the dense cores and protostars in this cloud. Our results demonstrate that the presence of fibers is not restricted to low-mass clouds but can be extended to regions of increasing mass and complexity. We propose that the observational dichotomy between clustered and non-clustered star-forming regions might be naturally explained by the distinct spatial density of fertile fibers in these environments.