Starburst region

A region of a galaxy forming stars at an unusually high rate compared with typical galaxies. Its rapid activity is often associated with abundant gas, gravitational compression, or galaxy interactions.

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Giant molecular cloud: A cold, dense cloud of molecular gas where much star formation begins. Starbursts draw on dense molecular clouds whose collapse can rapidly produce many stars.
Galaxy merger: The gravitational interaction and eventual union of two or more galaxies. Mergers can drive gas toward galactic centers, where it fuels intense star formation.
H-alpha: A visible hydrogen emission line produced when ionized hydrogen recombines. Its luminosity estimates recent massive-star formation where dust allows it to escape.
Galactic wind: A large-scale outflow of gas from a galaxy into its surrounding environment. Supernovae and stellar winds can drive gas out of a starburst region.
M82: A nearby galaxy with intense central star formation and prominent bipolar outflows. M82 is a classic example of a compact starburst driving a galactic wind.
Gravitational instability: The growth of density perturbations when gravity overcomes forces resisting collapse. Instability can fragment compressed gas into star-forming clouds.
Tidal interaction: A gravitational disturbance caused by the differential pull of another body. Tidal forces can reshape galaxies and promote gas inflow without a completed merger.
Infrared astronomy: The study of celestial objects through radiation at infrared wavelengths. Infrared observations reveal star formation hidden by dust in luminous regions.
Chemical evolution: Changes in the elemental composition of gas and stars as a galaxy evolves. Massive stars rapidly return newly made elements to starburst gas.
NGC 253: A nearby spiral galaxy with vigorous star formation concentrated in its nucleus. Its central starburst is resolved in detail across many wavelengths.