The James Webb Space Telescope is marking one year of cosmic photographs with one of its best yet: the dramatic close-up of dozens of stars at the moment of birth.
The Associated PressThe first anniversary image released Wednesday, July 12, 2023, by Space Telescope Science Institute Office of Public Outreach, shows NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope displaying a star birth like it’s never been seen before, full of detailed, impressionistic texture. The subject is the Rho Ophiuchi cloud complex, the closest star-forming region to Earth.NASA unveiled the latest snapshot Wednesday, revealing 50 baby stars in a cloud complex 390 light-years away.
All of the young stars appear to be no bigger than our sun. Scientists said the breathtaking shot provides the best clarity yet of this brief phase of a star's life. "Our own sun experienced a phase like this, long ago, and now we have the technology to see the beginning of [another] star's story," Klaus Pontoppidan, who served as project scientist, said in a statement.This cloud complex, known as Rho Ophiuchi, is the closest-star forming region to Earth. With no stars in the foreground of the photo, NASA noted, the details stand out all the more. Some of the stars display shadows indicating possible planets in the making, according to NASA.
Webb — the largest and most powerful astronomical observatory ever launched into space — has been churning out cosmic beauty shots for the past year. The first pictures from the $10 billion US infrared telescope were unveiled last July, six months after its liftoff from French Guiana. It's considered the successor to the Hubble Space Telescope, orbiting Earth for 33 years. A joint NASA-European Space Agency effort, Webb scans the universe from a more distant perch, 1.6 million kilometres away.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Rodeo teens Riley Webb, Jestyn Woodward shooting for Stampede titlesTwo phenoms — 19\u002Dyear\u002Dolds Riley Webb and Jestyn Woodward — have turned heads through the early part of the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Read more »
Rodeo teens Riley Webb, Jestyn Woodward shooting for Stampede titlesTwo phenoms — 19\u002Dyear\u002Dolds Riley Webb and Jestyn Woodward — have turned heads through the early part of the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Read more »
Webb Space Telescope spots most distant black hole yet. More may be lurkingCAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Astronomers have discovered the most distant black hole yet using the Webb Space Telescope, but that record isn’t expected to last.
Read more »
On the Street: Gabriel Ross moves to old Gap space on GovernmentGabriel Ross has opened its doors in the former Gap location at 1319 Government St., replacing its previous showroom in Rock Bay
Read more »
High rent creating higher demand on shelter space for families in CalgaryThe Children's Cottage told CTV Calgary it is currently turning away 60 families every month. Inn From The Cold, another family shelter in Calgary, is facing a similar space crunch.
Read more »