Turbulent times for star formation in Stephan's Quintet
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University used radio telescopes to map molecular gas in Stephan's Quintet to understand why some regions form stars inefficiently. They discovered that violent gas movement suppresses star formation, even when abundant raw materials are present.
Why it matters
Understanding the mechanics of star formation helps astronomers refine models of galaxy evolution and the life cycles of cosmic structures.
edited by Sadie Harley , reviewed by Robert Egan
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Add as preferred source The contour lines show radio emissions from carbon monoxide molecules in Stephan's Quintet, arranged like the contours on a topographic map. Just as higher contours on a map represent higher elevations, higher contour levels here represent stronger CO emission, indicating regions with more molecular gas. Credit: Osaka Metropolitan University Star formation in galaxies is closely linked to molecular gas. In the distant past, when galaxy interactions were more common, these encounters compressed molecular gas, causing dense clouds to collapse under their own gravity and form new stars.
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