Photo of the day: a giant molecular cloud in which new stars are born
Researchers at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), part of the US National Science Foundation, have published a magnificent image of the object, designated W49A. The named structure is a giant molecular cloud. This is the stellar cradle – the area in which the birth of new luminaries takes place.
The molecular cloud is located at a distance of approximately 36 thousand light-years from us. Experts have been studying the named structure for decades. However, new radio images indicate that there have been changes in it lately.
The image shown is a composite image. The data obtained in the radio range are presented in orange. In addition, information in the infrared spectrum is used.
Observations indicate the movement of giant clouds of ionized gas, formed under the influence of intense radiation emitted by young stars. Fresh data points to the emergence of new active regions in the composition of W49A.
