starburst

Short definition from Wiktionary

Noun

1. 1
   A violent explosion, or the pattern (likened to the shape of a star) supposed to be made by such an explosion.
2. 2
   A symbol similar to an asterisk, but with additional rays: ✺.
3. 3
   A region of space with an unusually high rate of star formation.
4. 4
   A period in time during which a region of space experiences an unusually high rate of star formation.

Verb

1. 1
   To experience an unusually high rate of star formation.
2. 2
   To explode; to burst out violently via, or in such a manner as to cause, an explosion.
3. 3
   To make a starburst pattern.