On the formation of binary stars

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Abstract
We consider the conditions under which a dense molecular cloud core can collapse to form a binary, or multiple, star system. We propose that fragmentation to form a binary is most simply achieved if collapse is initiated by an external impulse. On its own, this process would produce wide binaries, and we suggest that close binaries are formed because of mutual interactions between the protostellar discs surrounding the various fragments. We discuss the nature and size of impulse required and conclude that, given the internal structure of molecular clouds such a requirement is not unreasonable. As a corollary, it is necessary in order for an external impulse to be able to initiate collapse, that the dense cloud cores be thermally, and not magnetically, supported. We raise the possibility that the cores are not disrupted by the star formation process, but are rather, the continuing semi-permanent sites of star formation within the cloud.

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