NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope’s mid-infrared view of the Pillars of Creation strikes a chilling tone. Thousands of stars that exist in this region seem to disappear, since stars typically do not emit much mid-infrared light, and seemingly endless layers of gas and dust become the centerpiece. The detection of dust by Webb’s Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) is extremely important – dust is a major ingredient for star formation.NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI; Joseph DePasquale (STScI), Alyssa Pagan (STScI)
July 2023 marks one year since the James Webb Space Telescope astonished the world with the release of its first images and data. Since then, the observatory has been transforming the way we see the universe, from revealing details of planets and moons in our own solar system, to providing new understanding of how stars and galaxies form.
Experts gathered on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, to highlight Webb’s first year of science and answer questions about the mission that were submitted during the live chat.
Watch a recording of the event, NASA Science Live: Webb’s First Year, on the NASA YouTube Channel. Credit: NASA
Revisit the first images: https://www.nasa.gov/webbfirstimages
Explore everything Webb, including more hi-res images: https://webbtelescope.org/
Related:
Webb Celebrates First Year of Science With Close-up on Birth of Sun-like Stars (NASA Goddard)