Giant Molecular Clouds

Giant Molecular Clouds (GMCs) are massive, dense regions in space primarily made up of gas and dust, where new stars often form. They can contain enough material to create thousands of stars and are primarily composed of hydrogen molecules. GMCs are typically several hundred light-years across and can be found in various areas of galaxies. Their cold, dark environment is crucial for star formation because it allows gravity to pull materials together, eventually leading to the birth of stars and sometimes even planets, contributing to the dynamic lifecycle of the universe.