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MOOC Exoplanets – atmospheric research

Plan du MOOC

1. Introduction

1.1 – Introduction

2. Definition of a planet and an exoplanet

3. Exoplanets and the scale of the Universe

4. Stars

5. Telescopes and exoplanet observation

6. Exoplanet atmospheres

7. Exoplanet habitability

8. Example of a star system: Trappist-1

9. Future space missions

End of the MOOC

3.2.3 – Molecular clouds

Molecular clouds, or nebulae, are located between the stars, in the dark and cold areas of the galaxies. In the dark sky, they appear to be cottony and whitish. They are made up of gas (primarily hydrogen) and interstellar dust and play a key role in the creation of future stars and potentially of star systems. They are called “stellar nurseries”.

In the company of the astrophysicist Vincent Minier, you will journey to the heart of these giant clouds to learn about their role in the creation of star systems.

For more information: The nebulae where stars are born are molecular clouds. However, the term “nebula” can refer to other astrophysical objects. Learn how to differentiate between the different classifications of nebulae.
Thanks to powerful telescopes such as ALMA, which carries out radio wave observations, astrophysicists can observe molecular clouds in galaxies other than our own. To find out more on this subject, read this article from CNRS.