In July 2022, NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope had its official unveiling through a collection of stunning photographs. One notable picture showcased what has been poetically termed the Cosmic Cliffs—an enchanting cosmic zone teeming with nascent stars. Based on information gathered by this telescope, experts have crafted a novel three-dimensional representation. Produced collaboratively by NASA’s Universe of Learning, this depiction entitled “Exploring the Cosmic Cliffs in 3D” revitalizes one of the memorable visuals captured by the Webb telescope.
The terrain referred to as the Cosmic Cliffs, characterized by “mountains” and “valleys,” is actually a section of the Gum 31 nebula. This area includes a cluster of young stars named NGC 3324. The Gum 31 nebula along with the NGC 3324 star cluster form parts of an extensive stellar nursery known as the Carina Nebula Complex.
Ultraviolet radiation and strong stellar winds emanating from the stars in NGC 3324 have sculpted an expansive cavity within Gum 31. Part of this vast bubble can be observed above what has been nicknamed the Cosmic Cliffs. (It’s worth noting that the star cluster responsible lies beyond this particular frame of view.)
The cliffs appear shrouded in a misty veil, as if steam emanates from heavenly mountains. In reality, these ethereal tendrils are comprised of superheated, ionized gas and dust flowing outwards from the nebula due to intense ultraviolet radiation relentlessly bombarding them.
Viewers with keen eyes might notice exceptionally vivid, yellow streaks and arcs that signify gas flows from youthful, forming stars tucked inside the Cosmic Cliffs. As the visual journey progresses, it glides by a notable protostellar jet located towards the upper right corner of the picture.
“Enabling people to visualize this incredible Webb image assists them in understanding the three-dimensional form embedded within the two-dimensional picture, thereby helping them build a more accurate mental representation of space,” stated Frank Summers, the lead visualization scientist at STScI and head of the AstroViz Project.
Provided by NASA
The tale was initially released on
Dailyexe
. Subscribe to our
newsletter
For the most recent science and technology news updates.
