molecular clouds
The Outer Reaches of the Milky Way are Full of Stars, and the JWST is Observing Them
The Milky Way's outer reaches are coming into view thanks to the JWST. Astronomers pointed the powerful space telescope to…
Young Stars in the Outskirts of Galaxies Finally Have an Explanation
Star formation is well understood when it happens in the populous centers of galaxies. From our vantage point on Earth,…
Could Life Exist in Molecular Clouds?
Our search for life beyond Earth is still in its infancy. We're focused on Mars and, to a lesser extent,…
Speedrunning Star Formation in the Cygnus X Region
Stars are born in molecular clouds, massive clouds of hydrogen that can contain millions of stellar masses of material. But…
One of Life’s Building Blocks can Form in Space
Peptides are one of the smallest biomolecules and are one of life's critical building blocks. New research shows that they…
Astronomers Find a Giant Cavity in Space, Hollowed out by an Ancient Supernova
Gaia's 3-D mapping of the galaxy has revealed a cosmic bubble, with clues about how molecular clouds and stars form.
This is a Simulation of the Interstellar Medium Flowing Like Smoke Throughout the Milky Way
How do stars form? We know they form from massive structures called molecular clouds, which themselves form from the Interstellar…
We’re Made of Starstuff. Especially From Extremely Massive Stars
A new study shows how massive young stars create the kind of organic molecules that are necessary for life. A…
The Corona Australis Molecular Cloud. Normally this Looks Like a Dark Blob in the Sky. But in Infrared, it Looks Like This.
The Corona Australis is a constellation in the southern hemisphere. It's name literally means "southern crown." One of its features…
Deep Astrophoto of LDN 673: The Place Where Stars are Born
What a stunning view of this dark region of space! This image, by astrophotographer Callum Hayton shows LDN 673, a…