Astronomy Interstellar Medium molecular cloud

Giant Molecular Cloud

• Largest type of interstellar medium
  • Very large and dense
    • ~6000 known with $10^5$ to $10^6$ solar masses
    • $10^2$ to $10^5% hydrogen molecules per cubic centimetre
• 50-300 light year away
• Complex molecules can form deep inside
  • Protected from high-energy rays and particles that would break them ups