Astronomers discover giant molecular cloud in Milky Way

Astronomers have found a new giant molecular cloud in the Milky Way galaxy. The discovery was made using the Green Bank Telescope and was reported on March 18. This cloud, named M4.7-0.8, is almost 200 light years wide and weighs about 160,000 solar masses. Giant molecular clouds, or GMCs, are large collections of gas and dust. They are important for star formation because they provide the materials needed. This new cloud was found near the midpoint of a dust lane in the Milky Way's bar, located about 23,000 light years away from Earth. The researchers, led by Natalie O. Butterfield, used radio observations to study M4.7-0.8. They noted that the cloud is about 195 light years long and 65 light years tall. The temperature of the cold dust in the cloud is about 20 Kelvin. The team identified two main features within the cloud called the "Nexus" and "Filament." The Nexus is the brightest area related to carbon monoxide emissions, while the Filament is a narrow feature extending from the Nexus. They also discovered two areas, named Knot B and Knot E, which may indicate where new stars are forming. Additionally, the study found a shell-like structure in the cloud. This shell has a bright rim in ammonia emissions and a hollow center. More research is needed to understand the full nature of M4.7-0.8 and its potential for star formation.