Yes, we can observe newly formed stars. The process of star formation occurs within vast clouds of gas and dust in space known as molecular clouds. These clouds are regions of high density and gravitational attraction, where new stars are born.
There are several ways in which astronomers can identify and study newly formed stars:
Infrared Observations: Newly formed stars are often surrounded by dense envelopes of gas and dust, which can block their visible light. However, infrared telescopes can detect the heat radiation emitted by these objects. Infrared observations allow astronomers to penetrate the dusty regions and study the earliest stages of star formation.
Protostellar Disks: During the early stages of star formation, the collapsing material forms a rotating disk around the central protostar. These protostellar disks can be observed using various techniques, including infrared and radio observations. By studying the properties of these disks, scientists can gain insights into the processes of planet formation and the evolution of young stars.
Molecular Emission: Certain molecules, such as carbon monoxide (CO), are abundant in molecular clouds and can emit radio waves. By observing the emission from these molecules, astronomers can identify regions where stars are forming. The presence of strong molecular emission lines, combined with other observations, can indicate the presence of newly formed stars.
Herbig-Haro Objects: Herbig-Haro (HH) objects are energetic jets of gas ejected from young stars. These jets create shockwaves that interact with the surrounding gas, producing bright emission regions. The detection of HH objects can be a sign of ongoing star formation in a region.
Stellar Associations: In some cases, groups of young stars form in close proximity to each other within the same molecular cloud. These associations, known as stellar nurseries, can be identified by observing a cluster of young stars with similar ages and compositions.
By combining data from different observations and techniques, astronomers can piece together a comprehensive picture of the formation and evolution of stars, from their earliest stages to their mature phases.