A high-velocity, magnetically charged streamer of hydrogen is careening toward the Milky Way Galaxy. However, rather than forecasting danger on Earth, astronomers are excited about the opportunity this celestial phenomenon provides to help astronomers better understand how stars are born. According to Astronomy Magazine, high-velocity clouds (HVCs) typically defy logic. Although it is understood that their gaseous bodies are responsible for mixing with dust particles and thus fueling the creation of new star clusters, astronomers cannot determine how HVCs survive the impact with the million-degree atmosphere that surrounds galactic shells. What makes this cloud so special? Now that the Smith Cloud, a hydrogen-based structure that is expected to penetrate the Milky Way, has entered the range of sensitive radio telescopes, it is possible to determine the makeup of the structure. According to the source, although there are no stars trailing the mass, a powerful magnetic force was discovered at its core - which is likely the reason the hydrogen can survive plunging into the galactic shell. Usually, when gasses meet intense heat, they are destroyed utterly, but the Smith Cloud-like other HVCs before it - is still running its course. According to IBT Media, astronomers were never really sure where fuel for new star formations came from. Theories abounded, but now that the Smith Cloud's magnetic force field has been revealed, it is more likely that our galaxy collects ingredients from interstellar space to manufacture new iterations. Healthy stars require gas, dust, and ... magnets? Strong magnets, such as neodymium cube magnets or samarium cobalt magnets, create a field that extends beyond their mass. According to the source, the speed of the Smith Cloud and its magnetic field - which is weak compared to the Earth's, at just 0.0002 percent - is making it possible for the HVC to reach a point in the galaxy where its gasses can fuse with dust particles. According to NASA, this deep penetration is necessary for the birth of new stars. As the universe recycles leftover instances of space objects that have finished their life cycles, such as the massive explosions from supernovae, the resulting debris becomes part of larger galaxies. As was previously mentioned, this dust is trapped behind a galactic shell that emits incredibly high temperatures. The discovery of the magnetic fields inside of HVCs, however, takes some of the mystery out of star formation. What This Discovery Means and More with Apex Magnets The enigma that is the universe is filled with inexplicable facts that humans have not yet uncovered, but with the power of science, the answers to some of these lingering questions are becoming more readily available. We are constantly on the lookout for new magnet discoveries. For more information on magnets, browse our neodymium magnet information and magnet facts sections of the blog or subscribe to our newsletter today.