Galaxy in Making Is Believed Found

Astronomers on Monday reported the discovery of a giant hydrogen cloud that could be an unborn galaxy and that possibly provides evidence that new star systems are still being formed.

Scientists from the National Science Foundation and Cornell University accidentally discovered the cloud--10 times larger than our own Milky Way galaxy--while adjusting a radio telescope in Arecibo, Puerto Rico.

Many astronomers have thought that all galaxies were formed billions of years ago, shortly after the “Big Bang.” But other scientists have argued that some galaxies may still be forming.

Riccardo Giovanelli, a radio astronomy expert with the Science Foundation, said he considers the newly discovered cloud the best proof yet that galaxy formation is continuing.