NASA releases stunning 3D visualization of the Pillars of Creation, watch video here

The Webb version (right) showcases orange and orange-brown dust that is semi-transparent, with light blue ionized gas against a dark blue background. (Image Credit - NASA)

NASA has released a breathtaking new 3D visualization of the Pillars of Creation, the iconic structures in the Eagle Nebula that were first made famous by the Hubble Space Telescope in 1995. This latest visualization uses data from both the Hubble and the James Webb Space Telescopes to provide the most detailed and comprehensive look yet at these celestial formations.

The new visualization allows viewers to experience the Pillars of Creation in three dimensions, highlighting the intricate structures and revealing the differences between Hubble’s visible-light view and Webb’s infrared-light view. This contrast helps illustrate why multiple space telescopes are necessary to observe different aspects of the same object. The Pillars, which stretch across three light-years, are primarily composed of cool molecular hydrogen and dust. They are being eroded by the powerful winds and ultraviolet light from nearby young stars.

Watch Video: Pillars of Creation Visualization

This 3D movie is not just an artistic interpretation but is based on detailed observational data, providing scientific insights into the processes of star formation within the pillars. The visualization reveals embedded stars and dynamic processes that help us understand how stars form and evolve.

Combining observations from Hubble and Webb has allowed scientists to gain a more complex and holistic understanding of the Pillars of Creation. The visualization is part of NASA's broader effort to make complex astronomical phenomena accessible to the public. It includes a 3D printable model of the pillars, allowing enthusiasts to explore the structure tactilely, and is part of a narrated video that connects viewers with the science and scientists behind NASA’s Astrophysics missions.

The project is part of NASA's Universe of Learning, which aims to bring the wonders of space science to the public through interactive tools and exhibits at museums and planetariums across the United States. This new visualization not only enhances our understanding of the Pillars of Creation but also brings the marvels of the universe closer to everyone, making complex science more accessible and engaging.