In a new study, researchers have discovered that clouds, which are considered the building blocks of the universe, can collide and destroy each other, but in the process create something new. The findings of this research, published in Nature Astronomy, could help to explain the formation of planets and stars.

When two clouds of gas and dust collide, they generate a shock wave that can cause both clouds to be shredded apart. But within this destruction lies the possibility of new beginnings. The shock wave created by the collision can cause new stars to form, along with the planets that surround them. This suggests that the destruction of one cloud can lead to the creation of a new one.

The researchers used computer models to simulate the collision of two clouds, which showed that the shock wave can cause the two clouds to be pulled apart and form new stars and planets. What’s more, this process can repeat itself, with the newly formed stars and planets forming new clouds and then colliding with other clouds.

This groundbreaking research provides new insight into the formation of stars and planets, and shows us how destruction and creation can go hand-in-hand.

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source: Phys.org