Astronomers have long wondered how the universe’s largest stars grow so massive despite intense radiation that should push material away. Now, thanks to observations with the ALMA telescope in Chile, scientists have finally found the answer.
Cosmic Streamers: The Hidden Fuel Source
Researchers discovered giant ‘cosmic streamers’ of gas acting as interstellar highways. These streamers funnel vast amounts of matter directly onto growing stars, allowing them to accumulate mass far beyond what was previously thought possible.
Changing Our Understanding of Star Formation
This breakthrough changes how we understand the birth and evolution of massive stars. The discovery shows that massive stars don’t just passively collect material from their surroundings—they actively draw it in through these streamers. The ALMA telescope’s ability to capture detailed images of these cosmic structures played a crucial role in this finding.
Implications for the Universe
Understanding how massive stars form helps scientists explain the formation of galaxies and the evolution of the cosmos. These stars influence their surroundings by producing powerful winds, radiation, and even supernova explosions, shaping the universe as we know it.
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