How far is the Taurus molecular cloud from Earth?
The Taurus molecular cloud sits 140 parsecs from Earth. That distance equals roughly 430 light years.
Questions about Taurus molecular cloud
Short answers, pulled from the story.
When did researchers identify the Taurus molecular cloud as part of the Radcliffe wave?
In January 2020, researchers identified the cloud as part of the Radcliffe wave. This structure is a wave-shaped feature within the local arm of the Milky Way galaxy.
What molecules exist within the Taurus molecular cloud?
Over one hundred different molecules exist within the Taurus molecular cloud. Seventy-five main isotopic species populate this chemical soup along with twenty carbon-13 substituted species and seven deuterium-substituted species.
Which star serves as the prototype for all T Tauri stars in the Taurus molecular cloud?
The variable star T Tauri serves as the prototype for all T Tauri stars. Stars within this region are newly formed with ages of only one to two million years.
How many confirmed transiting exoplanets does V1298 Tauri contain?
V1298 Tauri contains four confirmed transiting exoplanets. Members of this region suit direct imaging of young exoplanets well because they glow brightly in infrared wavelengths.