Jakarta –
A research team from the University of Florida discovered the mysterious cloud using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). This cloud, called G0.253+0.016, is so dark and dense that it is nicknamed The Brick.
The Brick is one of the many thick molecular clouds located at the Center of the Milky Way. These kinds of dark, dense clouds have long attracted the attention of astronomers.
Most recently, an astronomy team from the University of Florida led by Adam Ginsburg succeeded in investigating and uncovering the secrets hidden inside The Brik.
The Brick: The Mystery of the Thick Molecular Cloud
Quoted from Science Alertthe findings in The Brick are surprising because they contradict researchers’ understanding of how these clouds work.
Usually, the density of thick molecular gas like The Brick will be the place where new stars are born. However, in recent observations, it was discovered that The Brick is so thick that most wavelengths cannot penetrate it.
Researchers say that The Brick is a terrifying molecular cloud. Therefore, to find out more, the research team used super JWST technology which operates in the infrared range.
As a result, Ginsburg and his team revealed the presence of carbon monoxide (CO) ice in abundant quantities at The Brick.
“Our observations conclusively show that ice is so abundant there, that any future observations will have to take that into account,” Ginsburg said.
According to researchers, the discovery of this abundant CO2 should make The Brick very suitable for star formation. However, in reality, The Brick is not for that.
Ginsburg and his colleagues explained that inside, The Brick is much warmer than other similar clouds.
“Even though we previously said that stars form from cold gas, the reason for this temperature difference is not yet clear, but further investigation and analysis may provide some clues,” said Ginsburg.
New Pathways to Measuring Molecules
On the other hand, Ginsburg also highlighted the significance of this finding by saying that through JWST, they succeeded in opening a new path in observing molecules in the solid phase.
“With JWST, we are opening a new path to measure molecules in the solid phase (ice), whereas previously we were only limited to looking at gas. This new view gives us a more complete view of the existence of molecules and how they exist,” he said, quoted from the Tech Times page. .
Ginsburg said the importance of this discovery lies in its broader implications, especially in understanding the origins of molecules in the solar system.
According to him, the molecules found are believed to have once been ice lying on top of small dust particles, which were important contributors to the formation of planets and comets.
“This research adds to our understanding of the cosmic processes underlying the formation of celestial bodies. Researchers are ready to continue their cosmic exploration with advanced tools from JWST,” said Ginsburg.
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2023-12-15 12:30:00
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