New photos of Eagle nebula’s “Pillars of Creation”
The iconic photo of the Eagle nebula’s “Pillars of Creation”, showing three “trunks” of gas and dust forming new stars, was taken in 1995 by the Hubble telescope. In 2014, after installation of a new camera with twice the resolution of the earlier one, a new hi-def photo of the Pillars of Creation has been released – and this one is just as draw-dropping as the original. Check it out above (the original photo is below).
About Eagle Nebula’s Pillars of Creation star formation
The Eagle Nebula, also known as Messier 16, is a star-forming region located in the Serpens constellation. One of the most famous features of the Eagle Nebula is the “Pillars of Creation”, a stunning formation of interstellar gas and dust that has fascinated astronomers and space enthusiasts for decades.
The Pillars of Creation were first captured by the Hubble Space Telescope in 1995 and have since become an iconic image in astronomy. The pillars are massive columns of gas and dust, stretching over 5 light-years in length. They were formed by the intense radiation and stellar winds of young, massive stars within the nebula.
The dust and gas within the pillars are also the birthplace of new stars. As gravity pulls the matter together, the gas becomes denser and hotter until nuclear fusion ignites and a new star is born. This process of star formation is one of the most fundamental and important processes in the universe, and the Pillars of Creation offer a unique glimpse into it.
The Pillars of Creation are not only significant for their scientific value but also for their sheer beauty. The intricate and delicate structures of interstellar gas and dust are a testament to the incredible power and creativity of the universe. The Pillars of Creation have inspired countless artists, poets, and writers, and continue to be a source of wonder and inspiration for people around the world.
Despite their beauty and importance, the Pillars of Creation are not immortal. The same radiation and winds that created them are also slowly eroding them away. In fact, scientists estimate that the pillars may have already been destroyed by a supernova explosion, but the light from the event hasn’t reached us yet. This serves as a reminder of the impermanence of all things in the universe, and the importance of cherishing and protecting the wonders that we have been given.