Science
Hubble image captures massive star-forming superbubble in neighboring galaxy
Observations of nebula N44 provide astronomers with detailed data on star birth in low-metal cosmic environments.
The short version
- NASA and ESA released a new Hubble Space Telescope view of nebula LHA 120-N44, located 160,000 light-years away in the Large Magellanic Cloud.
- The nebula features a massive 210-by-140-light-year superbubble cleared by stellar winds and supernovae, surrounded by a compressed gas shell where new stars are forming.
- Astronomers cataloged nearly 500,000 stars in the region, including about 30,000 pre-main-sequence stars.
- Researchers are using the data to determine the timeline of star formation in environments with low concentrations of elements heavier than helium.
Key facts
- The Hubble Space Telescope imaged the star-forming nebula LHA 120-N44 (N44), located 160,000 light-years away in the constellation Dorado within the Large Magellanic Cloud.[NASA News]
- N44 contains a central void measuring roughly 210 by 140 light-years, created when stellar winds and supernovae from central stars blew away surrounding gas.[NASA News]
- A stellar census conducted through Hubble observing program #14689 cataloged nearly 500,000 stars in the cluster and surrounding field, identifying nearly 30,000 pre-main-sequence stars.[NASA News]
- The nebula includes a smaller sub-feature, N44F, which was shaped into gas pillars and a distinct bubble by the stellar winds of a single massive star.[NASA News]
What remains uncertain
- Astronomers are still investigating the precise timescale required for cold gas clouds to collapse and ignite nuclear fusion in the cores of newborn stars within this environment.[NASA News]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.