The Filamentary Funnels That Form Stars

In recent years, astronomers have discovered networks of filaments around star-formation sites inside giant molecular clouds. Scientists have theorized what might be going on, and if these filaments are behind the low-efficiency of star-formation. New simulations show what's happening, and how shock waves from supernovae play a role. Image Credit: Shingo Nozaki and Shu-ichiro Inutsuka 2026 ApJL 1000 L31.

The universe is full of fascinating structures, and some of the most striking take shape inside the giant clouds where stars are born. There, streams of gas appear to converge from all directions toward a dense central hub, like spokes meeting at the center of a wheel. New simulations show why this is, and why star formation overall is so inefficient.

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