Summary
Astronomers have discovered a unique space object 14 million light-years away, known as "Cloud-9." This object is a starless, gas-rich cloud made mostly of dark matter, helping scientists better understand galaxy formation and dark matter. The discovery was published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters and discussed at an astronomy conference.
Key Facts
- "Cloud-9" is a space object located 14 million light-years from Earth.
- It is the first confirmed detection of this type of object, a starless, gas-rich cloud dominated by dark matter.
- The discovery was made using the Hubble Space Telescope.
- Dark matter does not emit light, making it difficult to detect, but Cloud-9 provides a rare opportunity to study it.
- The core of the cloud is made of neutral hydrogen and is about 4,900 light-years wide.
- The mass of the hydrogen gas in Cloud-9 is about one million times that of the sun.
- Cloud-9 is near the spiral galaxy Messier 94 (M94) and may be physically connected to it.
- The cloud might eventually form a galaxy if it accumulates enough mass, though this is speculative.
