Ray Tracing Used to Create 3D Model of Molecular Cloud B68

A group headed by researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA) succeeded in using ray tracing in order to create a 3D model of molecular cloud B68. The latter is believed to be an area that could be conducive to the birth of a low-mass star. The problem here is that when a star is born, it is hidden from view due to the fact that clouds of gas and dust collapse from the inward pressure of gravity. The team of researchers used the Herschel Space Telescope as well as techniques used in Hollywood movies for visual effects in order to build the 3D model of molecular cloud B68. It has even been reported that it’s the most accurate 3D model of the dark cloud that has been produced up to now.

All this was possible thanks to a technique known as ray tracing, which generates an image by tracing the path of light back to the object itself. While ray tracing is often used for computer-generated work, it was used in combination with simpler models of B68 considering a series of elements such as density and temperature distribution. The 3D model yielded astonishing results as it namely helped confirm the predictions of past studies as to what could eventually happen to molecular cloud B68.

Source: News Track India