Molecular Cloud
A dense and cold region of interstellar space composed primarily of molecular hydrogen, serving as the birthplace of stars. The molecular cloud associated with NGC 346 is actively forming new stars.
Source: science.nasa.gov
APODs including "Molecular Cloud"
BHR 71: Stars, Clouds, and Jets
27/01/2003
What is happening to molecular cloud BHR 71? Quite possible, a binary star system is forming inside. Most stars in our Galaxy are part of binary star systems, but few have ever been seen in formation. Recent observations of dust-darkened Bok Globule BHR 71, however, show evidence for two young stars forming deep in the cloud, likely close enough to form a binary. Isolated BHR 71 spans about one light year and lies only about 600 light years away in the southern sky. The brighter embedded star -- not visible here -- is about 10 times as bright as the Sun and drives the jet that swept out the empty lane. The above four-color image was taken with a Very Large Telescope in Chile.