Starburst

Starburst describes a period in an astronomical object, such as a galaxy or a region, where star formation occurs at an exceptionally high rate compared with the long-term average. This burst of activity consumes available gas quickly and can last from a few tens to a few hundreds of millions of years.

Starburst galaxies are typically found in interacting or merging systems, where gravitational torques drive inflows of gas toward the center, triggering intense star formation. They are among the most luminous in the infrared, because dust absorbs ultraviolet light from young stars and re-emits it in the infrared. Observational signatures include strong hydrogen emission lines, high far-infrared luminosity, and bright radio emission; many also show outflows or winds driven by supernovae and stellar winds.

Starburst regions are dense pockets within galaxies where massive stars form at high rates, often within giant molecular clouds. The Tarantula Nebula (30 Doradus) in the Large Magellanic Cloud is a well-known local example. Starburst activity can influence future star formation by injecting energy and dispersing gas, a process known as feedback.

Candy Starburst also refers to a brand of fruit-flavored chewy candies produced by Mars, Incorporated. The candies come in various fruit flavors and are widely sold in many countries.