Check out Webb’s mind-blowing image of Pillars of Creation

Thanks to the James Webb Space Telescope, clumps of gas and dust have never looked so beautiful. The latest awe-inspiring image, beamed to Earth by the most powerful space telescope ever built, shows in astonishing detail the Pillars of Creation some 6,500 light-years away.

The Pillars of Creation, imaged by the James Webb Space TelescopeThe Pillars of Creation are set off in a kaleidoscope of color in NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope’s near-infrared-light view. The pillars look like arches and spires rising out of a desert landscape, but are filled with semi-transparent gas and dust, and ever changing.

This is a region where young stars are forming – or have barely burst from their dusty cocoons as they continue to form. Credits: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI; Joseph DePasquale (STScI), Anton M. Koekemoer (STScI), Alyssa Pagan (STScI)

Webb’s near-infrared image also shows the countless stars that formed within the dense clouds of gas and dust, as well as the youngest ones currently emerging from those clouds. “The three-dimensional pillars look like majestic rock formations, but are far more permeable,” NASA said of the image. “These columns are made up of cool interstellar gas and dust that appear, at times, semi-transparent in near-infrared light.”

Captured by Webb’s Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam), the image shows glowing red blobs at the end of some of the pillars, indicating areas where young stars are ejecting material as they form. “When knots with sufficient mass form within the pillars of gas and dust, they begin to collapse under their own gravity, slowly heat up, and eventually form new stars,” NASA explained, adding that these new stars appear in Webb’s image as bright red orbs and are estimated to be only a few hundred thousand years old. The Pillars of Creation gained widespread attention in 1995 when it was captured by NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope.

Hubble imaged it again in 2014 — you can compare it with Webb’s effort below:

The Pillars of Creation imaged by Hubble and Webb.NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope made the Pillars of Creation famous with its first image in 1995, but revisited the scene in 2014 to reveal a sharper, wider view in visible light, shown above at left. A new, near-infrared-light view from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, at right, helps us peer through more of the dust in this star-forming region. The thick, dusty brown pillars are no longer as opaque and many more red stars that are still forming come into view. Credits: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI; Joseph DePasquale (STScI), Anton M.

Koekemoer (STScI), Alyssa Pagan (STScI)

Webb’s image will enable researchers to update their models of star formation, the space agency said, helping us to learn more about how stars develop before they burst out of these dusty clouds over a period of millions of years.

After launching in December 2021, the Webb telescope is now in an orbit around a million miles from Earth as it peers toward deep space in a bid to learn more about the origins of the universe.

Besides exploring areas of interest many light-years away, Webb is also taking time to image celestial bodies closer to home, with this image of Jupiter showing the planet as you’ve never seen it before.

Editors’ Recommendations

Tags:

bier-company listed on couponmatrix.ukchessington-holidays listed on couponmatrix.uklooking4parking listed on couponmatrix.ukmonitrex listed on couponmatrix.ukshearings-holidays listed on couponmatrix.ukslug-and-lettuce listed on couponmatrix.uk
bier-company listed on couponmatrix.ukWhen your senses lust for fresh flavours other than your favourite lagers, take a trip through the independent craft beer breweries of the UK with Bier Company. As the gateway to dozens of unique and innovative takes on craft beer, there’s a whole world of delicacies just waiting to be bought for less with a Bier Company discount code. With a variety of tasty snacks, monthly deliveries from different breweries and special seasonal cases up for grabs, accept nothing but the best from Bier Company.
chessington-holidays listed on couponmatrix.ukMake your day out a weekend staycation with Chessington Holidays, the venue that brings together luxury accommodation with fun family antics. With Chessington hosting a wide array of family-themed rides and activities alongside several hotels, a Chessington Holidays discount code can save you plenty on a welcome break away. From the sandy shores of Shipwreck Coast to the natural exhibits of Chessington Zoo, indulge in some adventure and then rest the weariness away with Chessington Holidays.
looking4parking listed on couponmatrix.ukLooking4Parking is an excellent price comparison service that helps you to find the best rates for parking at airports in the UK, Europe and beyond. Going on holiday doesn’t have to be on the pricey side when you knock a chunk off your expenses by saving with a Looking4Parking discount code from Groupon. Their massive list of airports around the world and the range of services that they compare means that you’ll be able to find the right parking service for you at exactly the price point you’ve been looking for.
monitrex listed on couponmatrix.ukFrom breathable T-shirts to fast-drying jackets, Montirex men’s activewear is created to keep you comfortable during a workout. The range of Montirex joggers and jackets for men and kids is perfect for active lifestyles, and with our money-saving tips you can stock up your wardrobe for less! Check out the hand-picked best offers from the sale, plus Montirex discount codes and delivery promotions. With student discounts and flash sales, you’ll always find a way to save at Montirex.
shearings-holidays listed on couponmatrix.ukShearings is the UK's largest escorted tour operator, taking you, your family and friends to destinations both far and wide - in the UK and further afield. With over 100 years' experience of planning trips, Shearings really are very well respected within the holiday industry. With over 200 destinations to choose from, why not use your shearings vouchers and put them towards the trip of a lifetime.
slug-and-lettuce listed on couponmatrix.ukFrom cocktails with the girls to blissful weekend brunches, the Slug & Lettuce is your go-to for a good time. Discover tasty treats and to die for drinks for less with a Slug & Lettuce voucher from us - it’s the perfect excuse for a glass of bubbles (or three)! With gorgeous venues dotted all around the country, you’re sure to find one in your neighbourhood. Reserve a table today or check out upcoming events - at the Slug & Lettuce, there’s always something going on.