How far away is the Taurus molecular cloud from Earth?
The Taurus molecular cloud is approximately 140 parsecs, or about 430 light-years, from Earth. That proximity makes it possibly the nearest large star formation region known.
Questions about Taurus molecular cloud
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What is the Radcliffe wave and how does the Taurus molecular cloud relate to it?
The Radcliffe wave is a wave-shaped structure running through the local arm of the Milky Way. In January 2020, the Taurus molecular cloud was identified as part of this much larger structure, revising the older view that it belonged to the Gould Belt.
How many molecules have been discovered in the Taurus molecular cloud?
Over 100 distinct molecules have been found in the Taurus molecular cloud, including 75 main isotopic species, 20 carbon-13 substituted species, and seven deuterium-substituted species. This makes it the most prolific source of interstellar molecular discoveries.
What is the significance of T Tauri in the Taurus-Auriga stellar association?
T Tauri is the prototype of the T Tauri class of variable stars. It is a member of the Taurus-Auriga association, the stellar grouping embedded in the Taurus molecular cloud.
What exoplanets have been discovered in the Taurus molecular cloud region?
Several exoplanets have been found among the members of the Taurus-Auriga association. These include V830 Tauri b, LkCa 15 b, DH Tauri b, the four confirmed transiting exoplanets of V1298 Tauri, the directly imaged exoplanet 2M0437b, and one confirmed exoplanet orbiting CI Tauri with hints of additional ones.
What was significant about the 2007 detection in TMC-1?
In 2007, the polyatomic anion octatetraynyl radical was detected in the Taurus molecular cloud. It was the second type of anion ever found in the interstellar medium and, at the time of detection, the largest such molecule ever identified.