Astrophysicists Discover Vast Hidden Star-Forming Cloud Near Solar System [Video]

A vast star-forming cloud of molecular hydrogen that is one of the largest single structures in the sky has been discovered hidden near the solar system.

The crescent-shaped cloud—which its discoverers named “Eos,” after the ancient Greek goddess of the dawn—has long been invisible to us, despite being just 300 light-years away.

However, a new approach using ultraviolet emissions has made the cloud visible to us.

“This opens up new possibilities for studying the molecular universe,” said study lead and astrophysicist professor Blakesley Burkhart of Rutgers University–New Brunswick in a statement.

Eos’ proximity to the solar system poses no danger—but, the researchers explain, it does provide a unique opportunity to study the evolution of structures in the interstellar medium.

“When we look through our telescopes, we catch whole solar systems in the act of forming, but we don’t know in detail how that happens,” Burkhart explained.

“Our discovery of Eos is exciting because …