Starless Cloud Cores

Home
Gallery
Starless Cloud Cores

This image shows the ALMA data overlaid on an artist’s impression background. The ALMA data show two main cores as imaged by emission from the molecular ion N2D+ (two nitrogen and one deuterium atom). The core on the right is particularly bright and rounded, suggesting it is self-gravitating and poised to form a massive, single star – a very rare occurrence in star formation. The other core appears more distorted and fragmented, potentially leading to the formation of multiple lower-mass stars. This fragmentation is a normal process in star-forming clouds.

Credit: B. Saxton & A. Angelich (NRAO/AUI/NSF); ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO)

Technical Details
Telescope	ALMA
Band	N2D+
Date	-
Center	RA: 1:53:17.91, Dec: 67:00:39

Facebook

Twitter

Star Formation and Protostars Stars

Download Image

Hi-Res Full-Size	1920 x 1920	320 KB
Screensize File	1024 x 1024

Media Use Policy

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the 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 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.

Starless Cloud Cores

More Star Formation and Protostars Images & Videos