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Massive Star Ignites Cosmic Jets, Illuminating Stellar Clouds

1/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Astronomers using the Hubble Space Telescope observed the infant star IRAS 18162-2048 igniting clouds HH 80 and HH 81.
The star is about 20 times the Sun's mass and drives a jet traveling 2.2 million miles per hour and spanning 32 light-years.
The jets produce shockwaves that illuminate the clouds in vibrant colors.
First seen in 1995, HH 80 and HH 81 are powered by a young massive star.

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Story summary

Astronomers using the Hubble Space Telescope observed the infant star IRAS 18162-2048 igniting clouds HH 80 and HH 81.
The star is about 20 times the Sun's mass and drives a jet traveling 2.2 million miles per hour and spanning 32 light-years.
The jets produce shockwaves that illuminate the clouds in vibrant colors.
First seen in 1995, HH 80 and HH 81 are powered by a young massive star.