A breathtaking new image captured by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has unveiled a vibrant star factory located in a neighboring galaxy. The image showcases the interstellar atomic hydrogen of the N79 nebula, a 1,630-light-year-wide region situated in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way. With its stunning orange, yellow, and blue hues, the image provides astronomers with incredible detail and a closer look at this unexplored star-forming region.
N79, often referred to as the younger sibling of the Tarantula Nebula, has been forming stars at an astonishing rate over the past 500,000 years. Scientists estimate that N79 has been producing stars twice as fast as its counterpart, 30 Doradus, located approximately 161,000 light-years away from Earth. By studying regions like N79, researchers can gain valuable insights into the composition of gas and dust clouds during the early universe’s intense star formation phase.
The JWST’s latest image focuses on three massive complexes of cold atomic gas known as molecular clouds, specifically N79 South or S1. One of the most striking features of the image is the “starburst” pattern surrounding the bright core of N79. This pattern is caused by diffraction spikes resulting from the 18 pieces of JWST’s primary mirror as they collect light. Arranged in a hexagonal honeycomb pattern, these mirrors create six main diffraction spikes.
Diffraction spikes occur when the JWST observes bright and compact objects emitting light from a concentrated location. However, when the telescope examines galaxies or other more diffuse sources, the diffraction pattern is absent. The full image of N79 captured by JWST’s Mid-InfraRed Instrument (MIRI) reveals the intricate details of this star-forming complex in the Large Magellanic Cloud.
Unlike visible light, which is absorbed by dense dust clouds, long-wave infrared light can penetrate more easily. MIRI’s infrared view enables astronomers to delve deep into the heart of this star-forming region, unveiling young stellar bodies still enveloped in their natal cocoons of gas and dust. These protostars, in their early stages of development, have not yet accumulated enough material to initiate the fusion process that defines a star.
Within the JWST’s mission to explore the evolution of disks and envelopes surrounding stars at various stages of their lifecycle, the observations of N79 hold great significance. Astronomers hope that the telescope will provide them with a first glimpse of planet-forming disks resembling our own solar system’s early stages, shedding light on how our celestial neighborhood came into existence approximately 4.6 billion years ago.
The James Webb Space Telescope continues to amaze with its ability to capture awe-inspiring images and expand our understanding of the universe. As scientists analyze the data and images sent back by this remarkable telescope, we can look forward to more discoveries and insights into the mysteries of space.
