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Astronomers Map Magnetic Fields in L328 Molecular Cloud Located 700 Light Years Away
Astronomers study the L328 molecular cloud, located around 700 light years away, to map magnetic fields at multiple scales. The development is relevant due to focus on magnetic fields within molecular clouds.
L328 Molecular Cloud and Molecular Clouds:
| Dimension | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Location (L328) | L328 molecular cloud comprises a molecular cloud located around 700 light years away. |
| Definition | A molecular cloud comprises an interstellar cloud of gas and dust in which molecules can form. |
| Most common molecule | Molecular clouds is hydrogen (H2). |
| Temperature | Low temperatures below 40 K. |
| Density | High densities of 10^3–10^4 particles per cubic cm. |
| Size range | Few light years up to 600 light years. |
| Total mass | Can reach several million solar masses. |
| Classification threshold | Dimensions of more than about 15 light years are also called giant molecular clouds. |
| Forces governing collapse | Collapse to form stars is determined by the interplay of gravity, magnetic fields, and turbulence. |
| Visibility of central regions | Central regions of these clouds are completely hidden from view by dust. |
| Raw material | Stars and planets. |
| Cloud lifetime and dispersal mechanism | Do not last for a very long time; after new stars are born, their solar winds blow away remaining gas and dust. |
| Star/planetary system | Molecular clouds are thought to be the birthplace of stars and planetary systems through processes of contraction, condensation, and accretion. |