Orion cloud complex by ALMA

These images show the edge of a vast molecular clouds, which are located outside of the Orion Nebula at a distance of 1,400 light-years from Earth. The left image shows the area of the wide-field camera HAWK-I, set at VLA complex. The area outlined by rectangle, shown on the right. This information was obtained by the ALMA Atacama lattice.
The fact that molecular clouds for astronomers is not only a beautiful picture, but also very valuable information about the stars, as they are often a kind of stellar nurseries. And on the cloud occurs astrohimichesky key process of the interaction of atoms and molecules forming. It is through observation ALMA scientists were able to trace the transition of atomic molecular state to border on the Orion Molecular Cloud. Because Orion is closest and largest star forming region, it is the ideal laboratory for researchers to identify and examine the various processes astrohimicheskih. Taki clouds also offer the opportunity to study the interaction of newly formed stars with their environment.

Both observations show that this amazing transition between atomic and molecular state takes place in a very active environment. A view from ALMA so very reminiscent of the dark clouds vast atmospheric storm on Earth.

Source: European Observatory Yuzhayay.