Star Birth
The phenomenon of star formation is common in our universe, but occurs most prevalently within the cool molecular clouds of active nebulae, such as the Eagle Nebula. The low temperatures of the clouds found in active nebulae allow for atoms to form molecules and clump together into dense pockets called evaporating gaseous globules (EGGs). It is within the EGGs that star formation has the greatest propensity to occur.
When the density of an EGG reaches a certain point, gravity will cause the cloud to collapse inward upon itself, kickstarting the star birth process. As mass falls inward, it pulls increasing amounts of gas into the center of gravity. The gas begins to heat up due to the loss of gravitational potential energy, and the protostar is beginning to form.
Observations of star-forming regions show that the majority of stars are born in large groups, called clusters. This is particularly true in nebulae like the Eagle Nebula, which possess very massive gas clouds. The greater the mass of a gas cloud, the easier it is for gravity to overcome what thermal pressure there is within the cloud. The Eagle Nebula has already formed a cluster, labelled NGC 6611, and is continuing to actively form stars.
Observations of star-forming regions show that the majority of stars are born in large groups, called clusters. This is particularly true in nebulae like the Eagle Nebula, which possess very massive gas clouds. The greater the mass of a gas cloud, the easier it is for gravity to overcome what thermal pressure there is within the cloud. The Eagle Nebula has already formed a cluster, labelled NGC 6611, and is continuing to actively form stars.
I can hear the sizzle of newborn stars, and know anything of meaning, of the fierce magic emerging here. I am witness to flexible eternity, the evolving past, and know I will live forever, as dust or breath in the face of stars, in the shifting pattern of winds.
- Joy Harjo, Secrets from the Center of the World