Astronomers discovered the nearest known molecular cloud to the Earth

Astronomers found the nearest known molecular clouds on Earth, providing scientists a unique up-close look at the cosmic recycling of the case that run the formation of new planets and stars.
After Don’s Greek Devi, newly discovered clouds named “EOS” are a huge, semi -sequel mass of hydrogen gas which is only 300 light years away from the Earth. It is one of the largest structures in the sky, which is equivalent to about 40 Earth Moon by shoulder to shoulder from shoulder to about 100 light-year width.

How did it survive

According to a paper Published April 28 in Nature Astronomy Journal, EOS has survived to detect due to a low concentration of carbon monoxide (CO), a bright, easily detected chemical signature, which astronomers have usually used to identify molecular clouds, despite its large -scale size and relative proximity to the earth. Researchers detected EOS through fluorescent brightness of hydrogen molecules within it – a novel approach that can reveal many equally hidden clouds throughout the galaxy. Burkhart Said To live science, “Surely more co-Dark clouds are waiting for the discovery.”

Formation of EOS and further studies

The EOS is shaped in its semi chandrakar shape through interaction with the North Polar Spir, a huge area of ​​ionized gas. The size aligns completely with the North Polar Spur on high latitudes, suggesting that energy and radiation from this vast structure affect the surrounding gas including EOS. This will evaporate in about 6 million years as its molecular hydrogen reservoir will be separated from the upcoming photons and high-energy cosmic rays. One follow -up Study There was no significant burst of star formation in the past, but it remains uncertain whether the clouds will begin to form stars before spreading. The name of the NASA spacecraft in the name of the newly discovered molecular clouds is being developed to inspect the molecular hydrogen material in the clouds in Milky Way.