NASA Mission Connections Star Birth and Galaxy Death Like Never Before

In theory, cold, neutral gas is the key to stars and galaxies.

When clouds of gas fall, new stars can form.

The gas is completely gone, however, star formation has stopped.

Surprisingly, the biggest stars can ruin a star’s shape potential in the future.

Starburst galaxies are very rare, occurring when the entire galaxy becomes a star-forming region.

The closest is the Cigar Galaxy (Messier 82), just 12 million light-years away.

The gravitational effect of its larger neighbor gives this star a boost.

In 2019, NASA’s Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) studied the Cigar Galaxy gas with an unprecedented sensitivity.

SOFIA monitors at 41,000+ feet, avoiding 99% of atmospheric water valves: the largest nemesis of infrared astronomy.

The researchers found that its massive galactic wind is connected to internal magnetic field lines.

Large amounts of gas and dust – up to 50,000,000 Suns – are being transported into the interplanetary space, dragging the field with it.

This program of foam star formation could completely eliminate the Galaxy Cigar.

Modern science continues, even through this pandemic, with international cooperation.

SOFIA is being closely monitored throughout Germany, exploring ionized carbon: a key finding of star formation.

Combined observations about star birth, winds, and transport will reveal key relationship issues that underlie galaxy evolution.


Mostly Mute Monday tells a celestial story in images, images, and no more than 200 words. Talk less; laugh more.

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