Sign In
Learn bits
Science & Tech.
Pradeep Kumar

25/05/21 12:20 PM IST

Clues to the star formation

In news

A scientist has estimated the three-dimensional distribution of molecular and atomic hydrogen in a nearby galaxy which can help lead to clues to the star formation processes and the evolution of the galaxy.

Details
  • Milky Way, consist of discs containing stars, molecular and atomic hydrogen, and helium.
  • The molecular hydrogen gas collapses on itself in distinct pockets, forming stars, its temperature was found to be low --close to 10 kelvin, or -263 ºC and thickness is about 60 to 240 light-years.
  • The atomic hydrogen extends both above and below the discs.
  • The molecular hydrogen gas converts to individual stars under the pull of gravity, thus holding clues to the star formation processes and the evolution of the galaxy.
About the study
  • Astronomers have estimated that molecular hydrogen extends farther from the disc in both directions, up to about 3000 light-years.
  • This gaseous component is warmer than the one straddling the disc and has comparatively lesser densities, thus escaping earlier observations. They called it the ‘diffuse’ component of the molecular disc.
  • The molecular hydrogen gas converts to individual stars under the pull of gravity, thus holding clues to the star formation processes and the evolution of the galaxy.
  • If a significant part of the gas extends beyond the thin disc of a few hundred light-years, it may explain why astronomers also observe stars at a few thousand light-years perpendicular to the galactic disc.
  • The galaxy’s proximity makes it easier to observe with telescopes, and spectral lines of carbon monoxide (CO) are available for public research. “The carbon monoxide molecule is known to accurately trace molecular hydrogen, whose spectral lines are more difficult to observe.
Source: PIB

More Related Current Affairs View All

20 Feb

The Maharashtra Protection of Interest of Depositors (in Financial Establishments) Act, 1999

'Investors who were defrauded in the Torres Ponzi scam may receive about Rs 40 crore over the next six months.' The Mumbai Police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has begun

Read More

18 Feb

Aravali safari park project

'The Haryana government’s ambitious 3,858 hectare Aravali safari park project spread across Gurugram and Nuh — which was one of the poll promises of the ruling Bharatiy

Read More

17 Feb

President’s rule function

'Recently,  four days after Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s resignation, the Union government announced that President’s rule has been implemented in the v

Read More

India’s First Ai-Driven Magazine Generator

Generate Your Custom Current Affairs Magazine using our AI in just 3 steps