Webb telescope reveals hidden star formation in the pillars of creation

Pillars of Creation in the Eagle Nebula reveal newborn stars amid cosmic dust. (Image: NASA/ESA/CSA/ STScI)

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has captured a breathtaking view of the Pillars of Creation. It is located 6,500 light-years away in the Eagle Nebula. Hidden within these towering clouds, new stars are being born. This image was captured by Webb in 2022.

Pillars of Creation

The Pillars of Creation were first immortalised in 1995 by the Hubble telescope. The image shows the towering columns of gas and dust that have become an emblem of cosmic wonder. Known as stellar nurseries, the pillars cradle young stars. Some of these stars are merely a few hundred thousand years old, shaping the next generation of solar systems.

Webb Seeing Things Differently

Webb uncovers hidden activity at levels never before observed. This grants astronomers an unprecedented window into the earliest phases of star formation. Unlike visible-light images, Webb’s near-infrared vision pierces through dusty veils to reveal protostars, faint jets and shadows that were hitherto invisible.

Why Does It Matter?

The Pillars of Creation provide a natural laboratory for understanding how stars ignite, evolve and influence planetary systems. The observations contribute to our understanding of cosmic origins. These observations can also be compared with other stellar nurseries across the Milky Way.

What’s Next for Scientists?

Researchers are studying the lifecycle of stars. Studying the chemical signatures in the pillars and the fine details of planet formation is part of this research. Webb’s discoveries complement other observatories, providing a broader picture of star formation.