Astronomers recently announced the discovery of Eos, the closest known molecular cloud to Earth, located 300 light-years away. This vast cloud, named after the Greek goddess of dawn, spans the size of 40 moons. Detected through the fluorescent emissions of hydrogen, it represents a hidden reservoir crucial for star formation. Researchers believe this finding will enhance knowledge about available materials for forming stars and planets, as well as aid in measuring creation and destruction rates of these materials in our galaxy.
Identifying and studying clouds like Eos, particularly based on their hydrogen content, could reshape astronomers' understanding of how much material in our galaxy is available to produce planets and stars.
For the first time, we are seeing this previously hidden reservoir of hydrogen that can form stars, said Thavisha Dharmawardena.
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