Density scaling relation in Orion A: effects of region selection

Abstract

Recently Stanchev et al. (2015) proposed a technique to derive density scaling relations in a star-forming region from analysis of the probability distribution function of column density. We address the possible dependence of the outcome on the selection of probe zones, applying the method to Planck dust-opacity data on Orion A. The derived steep scaling relation of mean density with index -1.6 in the molecular cloud (so called `Central filament') points to its self-gravitating nature. The result is reproduced also for large parts of the clouds' vicinity which indicates major role of gravity in the energy balance of the entire star-forming region.