help

Has a Star Ever Been Observed to Form Outside of a Nebula?

-- Loretta | January 27, 2020

Question:

Has any astronomer ever claimed to have witnessed a star being born in open space, OUTSIDE a nebula? I just wondered if it was possible.

-- Loretta

Answer:

To my knowledge, no. Stars need gas and dust (and probably a few other things, like magnetic fields) to form, which one finds in dense nebulae. I am not aware of an alternate explanation that does not involve these ingredients to the star formation process.

-- Jeff Mangum

Facebook
Pinterest
Twitter
Linkedin

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the U.S. National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.
	Founded in 1956, the NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Observing time on NRAO telescopes is available on a competitive basis to qualified scientists after evaluation of research proposals on the basis of scientific merit, the capability of the instruments to do the work, and the availability of the telescope during the requested time. NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media.
	The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense..."
	AUI collaborates with the scientific community and research sponsors to plan, build, and operate cutting-edge facilities. We cultivate excellence, deliver value, enhance education, and engage the public.