Star Formation in Bok Globules and Small Clouds

While most star formation occurs in giant molecular clouds, numerous small clouds and Bok globules are known to each harbor one or a few young stars. Studies of such isolated newborn stars offer insights into the star formation process unencumbered by the confusion that often complicates studies of richer star forming regions. In this chapter, a dozen Bok globules and small clouds have been selected for discussion as examples of small scale star formation. Particularly interesting or well studied cases include BHR 71, CG 12, B62, B93, L723, and B335.