Astronomers discover a new giant molecular cloud in the Milky Way

Using the Green Bank telescope (GBT), astronomers have discovered a new giant molecular cloud in the Milky Way. The newly discovered cloud size is nearly 200 light years and its mass is estimated at about 160,000 solar masses. The result was reported in a paper March 18 was published on Arxiv Preprint Service.

Molecular clouds are huge gas complexes between stars and the remaining dust from the formation of galaxies, and mostly consist of molecular hydrogen. The molecular clouds are called blocks greater than 100,000 giant molecular clouds (GMCS). In general, the GMCS diameter is 15-600 light years and is the coolest and most dense parts in the middle between the stars.

GMCs are gas tanks where most stars formations occur. Therefore, studying their life cycle and characteristics is crucial to achieving our knowledge of the formation and development of galaxies.

Now, a team of astronomers led by Natalie or. Petfield of the National Astronomy Observatory (NRO) for the discovery of a new GMC, which has received the appointment of M4.7-0.8. The cloud was identified at the mid -dust lane point in the Milky Waymara – about 23,000 light years. The dust corridors in the galaxy bar are necessary in the transfer of materials from the disk towards the Milky Way Center, where dense structures are similar to the loop that becomes sites for intense stars formation.

“We have reported the discovery of a previously unknown molecular cloud that is located at the middle of the dust corridors near the side (M4.7-0.8). In this post, we offer radio notes 25 GHz on thick gas associated with the accumulated materials in the galaxy center,” the researchers wrote in the paper.

According to the study, the length of M4.7-0.8 is about 195 light-years in the Hungarian longitude and a vertical range of about 65 light years in the galaxy latitude. The cloud mass was calculated to be 160,000 solar masses, and the cold dust temperature was estimated at 20 kg.

On the notes, astronomers distinguished the two main features of the M4.7-0.8, which they called “Nexus” and “Filament”. Nexus coincides with carbon monoxide emissions (CO) and appears to be associated with the bond of continuity in dust and carbon dioxide emissions. When it comes to threads, it is the advantage of continuing narrow dust that appears to be an extension of public asthma and displayed threads.

Moreover, the study also identified two sites of potential stars in M4.7-0.8- node B and Knot E. The researchers indicated that the knot, which is dense and displays a chick-like structure, may be a potential potential gas, but must be investigated.

The notes also found that the M4.7-0.8 also houses what appears to be a shell-like structure. This structure appears to have a brighter edge in ammonia emission, with a cavity towards its center.

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