'James Webb's shocking find': The pillars of creation may already be gone
Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh
Cosmic Towers
The Pillars of Creation, towering clouds of gas and dust in the Eagle Nebula, were first immortalized in 1995 by Hubble. Now, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) unveils their hidden depths.
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Galactic Nursery
These colossal pillars stretch 4 to 5 light-years in length and are cradles of star formation, hosting newborn stars that are only a few hundred thousand years old.
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Infrared Revolution
Unlike Hubble, JWST’s near-infrared vision pierces through dense gas clouds, revealing newborn stars, jets of hydrogen, and the intricate structure of the nebula in stunning clarity.
Fiery Outflows
JWST captured brilliant red orbs and glowing jets of hydrogen gas, resembling lava flows. These energetic outbursts mark the birth of stars hidden within the dense columns.
Distant Galaxies
Beyond the pillars, JWST spotted background galaxies, proving how interstellar dust had once blocked our view of deeper cosmic structures within the Milky Way.
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Disappearing Giants
Astronomers suspect a supernova may have obliterated the Pillars of Creation 6,000 years ago. However, since light takes time to reach us, they remain visible for now.
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Slow Erosion
Even if not destroyed by a supernova, the pillars are gradually being eroded by ultraviolet radiation and stellar winds from nearby young stars, reshaping their structure.
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500-Year Countdown
Scientists estimate that Earth-based observers have about 500 years left to see these structures before they fade completely, marking the slow death of this cosmic masterpiece.
Starbirth Mysteries
JWST’s data is refining star formation models, helping astronomers understand how gas, dust, and radiation interact to create stars, unlocking the secrets of stellar evolution.