NASA’s Webb telescope spots cosmic 'wood grain' in dying star’s explosion light

This shimmering cosmic curtain shows interstellar gas and dust that has been heated by the flashbulb explosion of a long-ago supernova. (Image: NASA)

Once upon a cosmic moment, a massive star collapsed. The collapse created a shockwave, ripping the star apart. This explosion sent intense X-ray and ultraviolet light outward. After 350 years, this light reached surrounding interstellar material.

NASA’s Webb Telescope captured the glowing infrared light echo. These new observations reveal intricate details resembling wood grain patterns. Astronomers are mapping the 3D structure of interstellar dust.

Jacob Jencson from Caltech described the detail as “shocking.” Astronomers see these cosmic layers as “onion-like,” said Josh Peek. “We’ve never been able to look inside before,” he added.

This background image of the region around supernova remnant Cassiopeia A was released by NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope in 2008. (Image: NASA)

New Insight into the Universe’s Hidden Structure
Webb’s images show tightly packed sheets of interstellar material. These sheets are about 400 astronomical units in size. Some regions resemble knots in wood grain, possibly shaped by magnetic fields.

The observed light echo was first spotted by Spitzer. Webb’s Near-Infrared Camera now provides an unprecedented close-up. The light echoes originate behind the Cassiopeia A supernova remnant.

Future Research Plans
Astronomers plan further studies using Webb’s Mid-Infrared Instrument. They aim to track changes in the illuminated dust. This will help identify molecular and compositional changes.

Infrared light echoes are rare phenomena requiring unique supernova conditions. NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Telescope will search for more. These findings could revolutionise our understanding of star death.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson celebrated Webb’s achievements. “Every image reveals the Universe’s majesty and human ingenuity,” he said. This discovery reminds us of light’s enduring cosmic journey.