Scientists in Japan have observed the birth of young stars in the Small Magellanic Cloud using the ALMA radio telescope system.
A research team in Japan, including Professor Toshikazu Onishi from Osaka Metropolitan University and Professor Kazuki Tokuda from Kyushu University, utilized the ALMA radio telescope system to study massive young stellar objects in the Small Magellanic Cloud.
Image of a portion of the Small Magellanic Cloud captured by the Hubble telescope. (Photo: NASA).
This cloud is a dwarf galaxy close to our Milky Way. It can be seen in the sky from the Southern Hemisphere of Earth.
The Small Magellanic Cloud has an environment similar to that of the early universe, characterized by an abundance of heavy elements and molecular gas. Notably, this region has been a “star nursery” for the past 10 billion years.
Specifically, scientists have discovered a star being born named Y246, which emits two extremely powerful gas jets at speeds exceeding 54,000 km/h. The material from this star collides with surrounding clouds, causing them to illuminate.
Image of the material flow from the young star Y246 (right panel) showing two jets of gas in blue and red during the carbon monoxide emission process. The cross indicates the position of the star being born (ALMA).
In the early universe, heavy elements in interstellar material significantly influenced star formation. They are considered “building materials” for future planets.
Such protostars consist of a large amount of gas and ice that gradually coalesce under the influence of gravity, forming stars over time.
Scientists indicate that in the current universe, developing young stars are thought to have their rotational motions inhibited by material flows during the contraction process due to gravitational forces, accelerating the formation and development of stars.
Therefore, the discovery of this phenomenon in the Small Magellanic Cloud will provide new insights into the study of stars and planet formation.
