SOFIA Enables First Clear Look into Star-Forming Region Westerlund 2
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Monday, September 13, 2021
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When massive stars begin to form, they emit large quantities of protons, electrons, and heavy atoms, which together are called stellar winds.
Key Points:
- When massive stars begin to form, they emit large quantities of protons, electrons, and heavy atoms, which together are called stellar winds.
- In extreme cases, the stellar winds can create bubbles of hot plasma and gas in their surrounding clouds.
- Combined with the measurements from the rest of the electromagnetic spectrum, it results in a 3D view of the stellar wind around Westerlund 2.
- The researchers also found evidence of the formation of new stars in the envelope region of this bubble.