Magnetic fields help in formation of massive stars

Magnetic fields in massive dark clouds are strong enough to support the regions against collapse due to their own gravity. A study lead by researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy in Bonn has now shown for the first time that high magnetization sets the stage for the formation of stars much more massive than the sun. This was demonstrated in observations of polarized dust emission from two of the most massive clouds in our Milky Way, the "Brick" and "Snake."