giant molecular clouds
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From Cold Cloud to Hot Protostar
Paradoxically, stars begin in the galaxy’s coolest places: the dense giant molecular clouds (or GMCs). This is not quite the paradox it seems, as in the beginning, stars require little else but gravity to form. And that’s really quite lucky, because…
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How are Stars Born?
Astronomers have discovered that the clouds of gas and dust — the interstellar medium (ISM) — found between the stars are made of the same materials as the stars themselves. In fact, hydrogen is the most common element in both…
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Where Did the Interstellar Medium Come From?
Contrary to popular belief, space is not empty. The space between the stars is filled with clouds of dust and gas. And this space — the interstellar medium — is incredibly beautiful and fascinating. I often refer to the interstellar…
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What are Molecular Clouds?
Meet the Pillars of Creation, a photograph taken by the Hubble Telescope in 1995. These apparent “pillars” of dust and gas are what we call molecular clouds. And this region of clouds in space is aptly named: it’s where stars are…
