molecular clouds
Molecular clouds are dense regions in space filled with gas and dust, primarily composed of hydrogen molecules. They are the coldest and darkest parts of our galaxy, often serving as the birthplace of new stars. These clouds contain the raw materials for star formation and can be vast, spanning light-years across. The cool temperatures within molecular clouds allow molecules to form and clump together, eventually leading to the creation of stars and planetary systems. Examples include giant molecular clouds in areas like the Orion Nebula, where new stars and solar systems are actively being born.
Additional Insights
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Molecular clouds are large regions in space filled with gas and dust, primarily composed of hydrogen molecules. They are the densest parts of the interstellar medium and can be several light-years across. These clouds are crucial for star formation since the dense areas within them can collapse under their own gravity, leading to the birth of new stars. Because they are cold and dark, they are often invisible in ordinary light but can be studied using radio waves and infrared observations, revealing insights about the formation of stars and planetary systems in our universe.