Every single point of mass has a gravitational field, including tiny elemental particles such as protons or neutrons. The force of attraction between two masses is governed by Newton's law of gravitation, such that larger masses attract smaller ones and mass begins to gather in small pockets, "it's getting closer together" and then, eventually, "it's a star!"
TLDR: Yes, the gases themselves are gravitational sources.
MadMeadyRevenge t1_jaj38k4 wrote
Reply to comment by whooo_me in Ask Anything Wednesday - Physics, Astronomy, Earth and Planetary Science by AutoModerator
Every single point of mass has a gravitational field, including tiny elemental particles such as protons or neutrons. The force of attraction between two masses is governed by Newton's law of gravitation, such that larger masses attract smaller ones and mass begins to gather in small pockets, "it's getting closer together" and then, eventually, "it's a star!"
TLDR: Yes, the gases themselves are gravitational sources.