Unusual Star Formation in the Tarantula Nebula: An Explanation.

The Tarantula Nebula, a star formation region in the Large Magellanic Cloud, is dominated by a massive cluster of young and massive stars called R136. The stars in R136 output enormous amounts of energy, shaping the nebula. However, the center of the nebula is less massive than expected, and the gas in the region should be dispersed, slowing star formation. A new study using SOFIA's observations shows that the magnetic fields in the Tarantula Nebula are responsible for keeping the region together and regulating the flow of gas, allowing star formation to continue. More research is needed to understand the role of magnetic fields in shaping the entire nebula.