A breathtaking 3D Journey through the pillars of creation

This image is a mosaic of visible light and infrared views of the same frame from the Pillars of Creation visualization. The three-dimensional model of the pillars created for the visualization sequence appears alternately in the Hubble Space Telescope (visible light) version and the Webb Space Telescope (infrared light) version. Credit: Greg Bacon (STScI), Ralf Crawford (STScI), Joseph DePasquale (STScI), Leah Hustak (STScI), Christian Nieves (STScI), Joseph Olmsted (STScI), Alyssa Pagan (STScI), Frank Summers (STScI), NASA’s Learning Universe

NASAThe new 3D visualization of the Pillars of Creation combines data from the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes to provide an immersive experience of these iconic star-making clouds.

The breathtaking new visualization enables viewers to explore fundamental questions in science, experience how science is done, and discover the universe for themselves.

A team from NASA’s Learning Universe at the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) in Baltimore, Maryland produced a stunning new 3D visualization of the “Pillars of Creation” in the Eagle Nebula by combining data from NASA’s space telescopes— s Hubble and James Webb. This is the most comprehensive, detailed, multi-wavelength film to date of these iconic star-forming clouds.

Pillars of star formation in new visualization from NASA’s Hubble and Webb telescopes

It was made famous in 1995 by NASA Hubble Space TelescopeThe Pillars of Creation at the heart of the Eagle Nebula have captured imaginations around the world with their ethereal and awe-inspiring beauty.

Now, NASA has released a new 3D visualization of these towering celestial structures using data from NASA’s Hubble and James Webb space telescopes. This is the most comprehensive and detailed multi-wavelength movie to date of these star-forming clouds.

Insights from multiple wavelengths

“Flying in front of and between the pillars, viewers experience their three-dimensional structure and see how they look differently in the Hubble visible light view versus the Webb infrared light view,” explained lead visualization scientist Frank Summers of the Space Telescope Science Institute. . (STScI) in Baltimore, who led the film development team for NASA’s Learning Universe. “The contrast helps them understand why we have more than one space telescope to observe different aspects of the same object.”

The Four Pillars of Creation, composed mostly of cold molecular hydrogen and dust, are being eroded by strong winds and punishing ultraviolet light from nearby hot young stars. Finger-like structures larger than the solar system protrude from the tips of the pillars. Embryonic stars can be embedded within these fingers. The tallest pillar spans three light-years, three-quarters of the distance between our Sun and the next nearest star.

Observational data and scientific accuracy

The film takes visitors through the three-dimensional structures of the pillars. Rather than an artistic rendering, the video is based on observational data from a scientific paper led by Anna McLeod, an associate professor at Durham University in the United Kingdom. McLeod also served as scientific advisor on the film project.

“Pillars of Creation was always in our minds to create in 3D. The Webb data in combination with the Hubble data allowed us to see the Pillars in greater detail,” said production leader Greg Bacon of STScI. “Understanding the science and how to best represent it allowed our small and talented team to rise to the challenge of visualizing this iconic structure.”

Multi-wavelength observations and understanding

The new visualization helps viewers experience how two of the world’s most powerful space telescopes work together to provide a more complex and holistic portrait of the poles. Hubble sees objects that shine in visible light, at thousands of degrees. Webb’s infrared vision, which is sensitive to cooler objects with temperatures of only hundreds of degrees, pierces through the dark dust to see stars embedded in the pillars.

“When we combine observations from NASA’s space telescopes across different wavelengths of light, we expand our understanding of the universe,” said Mark Clampin, director of the Astrophysics Division at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “The Pillars of Creation region continues to provide us with new insights that improve our understanding of how stars form. Now, with this new visualization, everyone can experience this rich, fascinating landscape in a new way.”

Bringing space exploration into public learning

Produced for NASA by STScI with partners at Caltech/IPAC, and developed by NASA’s AstroViz Learning Universe Project, the 3D visualization (the first video in this article) is part of a longer, narrated video (the video of second in this article) that combines a direct connection to the science and scientists of NASA’s Astrophysics missions with attention to the needs of an audience of youth, families, and lifelong learners. It enables viewers to explore fundamental questions in science, experience how science is done, and discover the universe for themselves.

New developments and educational tools

Several stages of star formation are highlighted in the visualization. As viewers approach the central pillar, they see at its top an embedded, baby protostar that glows bright red in infrared light. Near the top of the left column is a diagonal jet of material ejected from a newborn star. Although the plane is evidence of star birth, viewers cannot see the star itself. Finally, at the end of one of the prominent “fingers” of the left pillar is a brand new blazing star.

This picture shows a 3D printed model of the famous Pillars of Creation in the Eagle Nebula. The 3D computer-sculpted model used in the Pillars of Creation visualization was converted to STL file format and placed on a round base for use with 3D printers. Credit: Leah Hustak (STScI), Ralf Crawford (STScI), NASA Learning Universe

Expanding Public Engagement with Astronomy

A bonus product from this visualization is a new 3D printable model of the Pillars of Creation. The basic model of the four pillars used in the visualization has been adapted to STL file format so that viewers can download the model file and print it on 3D printers. Examining the structure of the pillars in this tactile and interactive way adds new perspectives and insights to the overall experience.

Conclusion: Continued education and exploration

More visualizations and connections between nebula science and students can be explored through other products produced by NASA’s Learning Universe, such as ViewSpace, a video exhibit currently running at nearly 200 museums and planetariums across the States. United. Visitors can go beyond videos to explore images produced by space telescopes with interactive tools now available to museums and planetariums.

The NASA Learning Universe materials are based on work supported by NASA under award number NNX16AC65A to the Space Telescope Science Institute, working in partnership with Caltech/IPAC, Pasadena, California, Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian, Cambridge, Massachusetts and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, La Cañada Flintridge, California.

The Hubble Space Telescope, launched in 1990, is one of the most significant instruments in the history of astronomy. Orbiting Earth from about 547 kilometers up, Hubble has revolutionized our understanding of the universe through its exceptionally clear and deep view of the cosmos, unobstructed by Earth’s atmosphere. Over the decades, it has provided invaluable data and stunning images that have led to major discoveries in various areas of astrophysics, including the rate of expansion of the universe, the presence of dark matter and the properties of exoplanets. Unlike ground-based telescopes, Hubble can capture high-resolution images in ultraviolet, visible and near-infrared light, providing a comprehensive view of celestial objects and phenomena that has transformed scientific knowledge and public interest in space exploration. .

of The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), launched on December 25, 2021, represents the next big leap in space observatories. Positioned nearly 1.5 million kilometers from Earth, Webb is designed to observe the universe primarily in the infrared spectrum, allowing it to look further back in time than ever before, until shortly after Big Bang. This capability enables astronomers to study the formation of galaxies, stars and the first planetary systems. Webb’s suite of sophisticated instruments and larger primary mirror than its predecessor, the Hubble Space Telescope, offer unprecedented resolution and sensitivity, making it ideal for exploring exoplanet atmospheres and detecting signs of possible life. . The telescope’s unique position at the second Lagrange point (L2) shields it from the light and heat of the Sun and Earth, ensuring that it can observe the cosmos with minimal interference.

NASA’s Universe of Learning is an integrated astronomy learning and education program that provides resources and experiences to help audiences understand the universe by connecting them to the science and technology of NASA’s astrophysics missions. Through collaborations between NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, the Space Telescope Science Institute, IPAC/Caltech, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, this program offers a wide range of materials including visualizations, interactive simulations, and educational activities. These resources are designed to engage students of all ages in the process of scientific discovery, inspiring the next generation of astronomers and increasing public understanding of the universe.