An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

An outflow of molecular material, often → bipolar, observed in the regions of → star formation. Molecular outflows are thought to be driven by → bipolar jets from → protostars. They are probably → bow shocks which have had time to cool and be observable in molecular lines. Molecular outflows
are poorly → collimated compared to the jets and tend to be slow moving
(velocities 10-20 km s^-1). Some bipolar outflows may be driven by → stellar winds.

See also: → molecular; → outflow.