To celebrate Independence Day, NASA has shared a stunning image captured by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) showing a young star’s eruption in vibrant red, white, and blue colors. The cosmic display is taking place in the nebula L1527, situated 460 light-years away in the Taurus constellation.
The image reveals a protostar inside the nebula, resembling an hourglass or butterfly wings, as it comes to life within a gas cloud. The star, just 100,000 years old, is rotating and consuming material from its surroundings while expelling it in vast jets from its poles. NASA describes the scene as a “fiery hourglass” marking the birth of a young star, with a central protostar growing in the neck of the hourglass.
Stars undergo a lengthy process of formation, evolving from turbulent clouds of dust and gas to glowing protostars and eventually into massive fusion-powered orbs. During this process, stars emit material in the form of winds and ionized plasma, known as stellar feedback.
The gas surrounding the young star is typically dark, but the star’s outflows create shockwaves that make the gas glow. The blue region in the image indicates the presence of carbon-based molecules called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. NASA utilized the JWST’s Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) to capture this mesmerizing image.
In addition to the Mid-Infrared Instrument, the JWST’s Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) was used to image the nebula L1527, showing different aspects of the protostar and its surroundings. The orangey hues in the near-infrared spectrum depict the star’s outflows resembling a cosmic sunset.
The process of star formation is a fascinating and intricate journey that scientists continue to study and understand better. By capturing images like the one from the James Webb Space Telescope, researchers can delve deeper into the mysteries of the universe and uncover the secrets of celestial bodies.
Ben Turner, a U.K.-based writer at Live Science, specializes in physics and astronomy, offering insights into the latest discoveries and developments in these fields. His background in particle physics and journalism equips him to explore complex scientific topics with clarity and expertise. Beyond his work, Ben enjoys literature, playing the guitar, and challenging himself with chess, showcasing a diverse range of interests and talents.
