NASA has unveiled a groundbreaking new 3D visualization of the iconic Pillars of Creation, celestial structures located within the Eagle Nebula. This immersive experience is the most detailed and comprehensive look yet at these star-birthing clouds, combining data from both the Hubble and James Webb space telescopes.
The visualization offers you a unique perspective, allowing you to “fly” through the three-dimensional pillars. You can also witness the dramatic difference between how they appear in visible light (Hubble) and infrared light (Webb). This contrast shows just why it’s important to use multiple telescopes to gain a more complete understanding of celestial objects.
Greg Bacon, Ralf Crawford, Joseph DePasquale, Leah Hustak, Christian Nieves, Joseph Olmsted, Alyssa Pagan, and Frank Summers (STScI), NASA’s Universe of Learning
The animation takes viewers on a journey through the heart of the pillars, showcasing various stages of star formation. Witness the faint glow of a newly forming protostar, the powerful jet ejected from a young star, and the brilliance of a newborn star at the tip of a pillar.
Like all Hubble and Webb projects, this isn’t merely an artistic interpretation. It is firmly rooted in scientific data. The visualization is based on research led by Dr. Anna McLeod of the University of Durham, UK, who also served as a scientific advisor for the project.
“The Pillars of Creation were always on our minds to create in 3D. Webb data in combination with Hubble data allowed us to see the Pillars in more complete detail,” said production lead Greg Bacon of STScI. “Understanding the science and how to best represent it allowed our small, talented team to meet the challenge of visualizing this iconic structure.”
Greg Bacon, Ralf Crawford, Joseph DePasquale, Leah Hustak, Christian Nieves, Joseph Olmsted, Alyssa Pagan, and Frank Summers (STScI), NASA’s Universe of Learning
As an extension of this project, NASA offers a downloadable 3D printable model of the Pillars of Creation. This interactive element lets you explore the structure tactilely, further deepening your understanding of these cosmic formations.
[via Gizmodo]
