W5：恒星形成的支柱
(原标题: W5: Pillars of Star Formation)
2025-06-23
浏览次数: 20
恒星是如何形成的？恒星形成区域W5的图像，就像美国宇航局的广域红外探测探测器（WISE，后来的NEOWISE）卫星在红外波段拍摄的图像一样，提供了清晰的线索，表明空腔中心附近的大质量恒星比边缘附近的恒星更古老。一个可能的原因是，中心较老的恒星实际上触发了边缘较年轻恒星的形成。当流出的热气体将较冷的气体压缩成足够稠密的结，从而在引力作用下收缩成恒星时，就会触发恒星的形成。在这张以科学为特色的彩色红外图像中，从流出的热气体中缓慢蒸发的壮观柱子提供了进一步的视觉线索。W5也被称为westhout 5 （W5）和IC 1848。与IC 1805一起，这些星云形成了一个复杂的恒星形成区域，通常被称为心脏和灵魂星云。这张特色图像突出了W5的一部分，跨度约2000光年，富含恒星形成柱。W5距离仙后座大约6500光年。APOD满30岁了！：明日（星期二）晚上七时在爱尔兰科克市举行免费公开讲座
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How do stars form? Images of the star forming region W5 like those in the infrared by NASA's Wide Field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE, later NEOWISE) satellite provide clear clues with indications that massive stars near the center of empty cavities are older than stars near the edges. A likely reason for this is that the older stars in the center are actually triggering the formation of the younger edge stars. The triggered star formation occurs when hot outflowing gas compresses cooler gas into knots dense enough to gravitationally contract into stars. In the featured scientifically colored infrared image, spectacular pillars left slowly evaporating from the hot outflowing gas provide further visual clues. W5 is also known as Westerhout 5 (W5) and IC 1848. Together with IC 1805, the nebulas form a complex region of star formation popularly dubbed the Heart and Soul Nebulas. The featured image highlights a part of W5 spanning about 2,000 light years that is rich in star forming pillars. W5 lies about 6,500 light years away toward the constellation of Cassiopeia. APOD Turns 30!: Free public lecture in Cork, Ireland tomorrow (Tuesday) at 7 pm
© : Francesco Antonucci