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Cosmic Tornado

March 26, 2025

 

 

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has once again demonstrated its unparalleled capabilities by capturing a breathtaking image of Herbig-Haro 49/50 (HH 49/50), a celestial phenomenon located approximately 625 light-years away in the constellation Chamaeleon. This remarkable observation, combining data from Webb's Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) and Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI), provides an unprecedented view of the intricate details of this "cosmic tornado".

Herbig-Haro objects, like HH 49/50, are formed when jets of material ejected by a newborn star collide with surrounding interstellar gas and dust, creating shockwaves that heat the material and cause it to emit light. These objects are often found in star-forming regions and offer valuable insights into the early stages of stellar evolution. The new composite image of HH 49/50 reveals a dynamic interplay of glowing hydrogen and carbon monoxide molecules, as well as energized dust grains, represented in vivid hues of orange and red. The arc-shaped features, resembling the wake of a speeding boat, point back to the source of the outflow—a protostar known as Cederblad 110 IRS4. This young star, located about 1.5 light-years from the observed outflow, is actively shaping its environment through these powerful jets.

One of the most intriguing aspects of this observation is the fuzzy object at the tip of the outflow, which had puzzled astronomers since it was first observed by the Spitzer Space Telescope in 2006. Webb's high-resolution imaging has now revealed this object to be a distant spiral galaxy, unrelated to HH 49/50 but perfectly aligned in the same line of sight. This serendipitous alignment offers a stunning juxtaposition of a nearby star-forming region and a far-off galaxy, showcasing the depth and complexity of our universe.

This latest achievement underscores the transformative power of the James Webb Space Telescope, a collaborative effort between NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). With each new observation, Webb is not only expanding our knowledge of the universe but also inspiring awe and wonder in the beauty of the cosmos. Learn more at NASA's Webb Telescope web section.

 

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