Pillars of Creation

October 23, 2022

This video tours areas of Webb’s near-infrared light view of the Pillars of Creation. This area is brimming with gas and dust – which are essential ingredients for star formation. Glowing, bright red wavy lines appear at the edges of some pillars, revealing where stars are ejecting material as they form. The bright red orbs are newly formed stars that have burst into view. Distant galaxies typically make appearances in Webb’s images, but not this one. A translucent layer of gas and dust is drawn like a curtain, allowing the stars to take centerstage. Webb’s near-infrared image will help researchers update their models of star formation. Over time, we’ll learn how stars form and burst out of these dusty clouds over millions of years. Read more about Webb's near-infrared image of the Pillars of Creation.

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