Star Gazing ~ Gravity vs Magnetism

[Julie]

This is the Cat’s Paw nebula, a huge molecular cloud some 5,500 light-years away within our Milky Way galaxy. A new study observed 17 active star-forming regions in this nebula, revealing the interaction between gravity and magnetism that controls the birth of new stars. Image via NASA/ JPL-Caltech. Read more about how stars form.

Gravity vs magnetism: Star-forming interaction revealed In vast star-forming clouds across the universe, an invisible interaction between gravity and magnetism is controlling the birth of new stars. And scientists have just traced this interaction in detail for the 1st time.   The researchers said last week they've studied magnetic fields in 17 star-forming regions. They found the 1st evidence that gravity overpowers and realigns the magnetic fields in these dust clouds, helping to tip a delicate balance toward star birth. Astronomers have debated for decades just how much of a dominant role magnetic fields play in this process. The new data revealed that, while magnetic fields do help shape star-forming clouds, gravity ultimately takes the lead in bringing stars to life. Find out more.