Photodissociation region
Okay kiddo, have you ever seen a picture of space and noticed those pretty colorful clouds that look like cotton candy? Those clouds are called nebulas and they are made up of different gases and dust.
Now, inside these nebulas, there are some special areas called photodissociation regions (PDRs). These areas are caused by the strong radiation (light) coming from nearby stars.
When this radiation hits the gas inside the PDRs, it breaks apart some of the molecules into smaller pieces (called atoms). This process is called photodissociation. The atoms that are created can then go on to form new molecules or react with other atoms to create new compounds.
PDRs are important because they are where new stars and planets are formed. The atoms and compounds that are created in these areas eventually come together to form dust particles which can then clump together to form planets and other objects in space.
So, photodissociation regions are special areas inside nebulas where the radiation from nearby stars breaks apart molecules into smaller atoms, which can then go on to form new compounds and eventually form new stars and planets. Cool, huh?
Now, inside these nebulas, there are some special areas called photodissociation regions (PDRs). These areas are caused by the strong radiation (light) coming from nearby stars.
When this radiation hits the gas inside the PDRs, it breaks apart some of the molecules into smaller pieces (called atoms). This process is called photodissociation. The atoms that are created can then go on to form new molecules or react with other atoms to create new compounds.
PDRs are important because they are where new stars and planets are formed. The atoms and compounds that are created in these areas eventually come together to form dust particles which can then clump together to form planets and other objects in space.
So, photodissociation regions are special areas inside nebulas where the radiation from nearby stars breaks apart molecules into smaller atoms, which can then go on to form new compounds and eventually form new stars and planets. Cool, huh?