Starburst

Starburst region

A starburst region is a region of space that is undergoing a large amount of star formation. A starburst is an astrophysical process that involves star formation occurring at a rate that is large compared to the rate that is typically observed. This starburst activity will consume the available interstellar gas supply over a timespan that is much shorter than the lifetime of the galaxy. For example, the nebula NGC 6334 has a star formation rate estimated to be 3600 solar masses per million years compared to the star formation rate of the entire Milky Way of about seven million solar masses per million years. Due to the high amount of star formation a starburst is usually accompanied by much higher gas pressure and a larger ratio of hydrogen cyanide to carbon monoxide emission-lines than are usually observed.

Starburst galaxy

A starburst galaxy is one undergoing an exceptionally high rate of star formation, as compared to the long-term average rate of star formation in the galaxy, or the star formation rate observed in most other galaxies.

Starburst (candy)

Starburst is the brand name of a box-shaped, fruit-flavoured soft taffy manufactured by the Wrigley Company, which is a subsidiary of Mars, Inc. Starburst has many different varieties, such as Tropical, Sour, FaveREDs, Watermelon, Very Berry, Superfruit, Summer Blast and Original.

Starburst (symbol)

A starburst is graphic design or typographical element that resembles diverging rays of light or consists of a star-like image with rays emanating from it. One is notably used as the current logo of the American retailer Walmart.

starburst

Noun

1. A violent explosion, or the pattern (likened to the shape of a star) supposed to be made by such an explosion.
2. A symbol similar to an asterisk, but with additional rays: ✺.

Verb

1. To experience an unusually high rate of star formation.
2. To explode; to burst out violently via, or in such a manner as to cause, an explosion.