Exciting new infrared images from the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope showcase the intricate structure of gas and dust expelled by a white dwarf star at the heart of the Helix Nebula.
This web image captures part of the Helix Nebula with stunning detail. Image credit: NASA/ESA/CSA/STScI/A. Pagan, STScI.
Located approximately 655 light years away in the constellation Aquarius, the Helix Nebula is a captivating planetary nebula.
First discovered in the early 1800s, it continues to enchant stargazers and professional astronomers alike, owing to its closeness to Earth and mesmerizing visual appeal.
The image captured by Webb’s NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera) reveals a comet-like column with an extended tail tracing the edges of the expanding gas shell, as noted by Webb astronomers.
“Fierce winds from a dying star clash with a frigid shell of gas, sculpting the remarkable structure of the nebula,” they explained.
“The iconic Helix Nebula has been observed by various ground-based and space-based observatories for nearly two centuries since its discovery.”
“Webb’s near-infrared observations highlight these intricate knots, contrasting with conventional imaging techniques. Check out this fantastic image from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope.”
This image offers a panoramic view of the Helix Nebula, accentuating the narrow field of view from Webb’s NIRCam instrument. Image credit: NASA/ESA/CSA/STScI/A. Pagan, STScI.
The new images additionally highlight the dramatic transition from the hottest to the coldest gas as the shell expands from the central white dwarf star, WD 2226-210.
The bright white dwarf lies at the heart of the nebula, just outside the Webb image’s frame, continuing to influence its surroundings.
“Intense radiation from this star illuminates the surrounding gas, creating vibrant rainbow-colored features: hot ionized gas closest to the white dwarf, cooler hydrogen molecules further away, and protective pockets in the dust cloud where more complex molecules can start to form,” the astronomers noted.
This interaction is vital, paving the way for new planetary systems to potentially form in the future.
“In the Webb images of the Helix Nebula, colors represent temperature and chemical reactions,” they explained.
“A slight blue tint reveals the hottest gas in the area, ignited by powerful ultraviolet light.”
“Further out, the gas transitions into a yellow region where hydrogen atoms merge to form molecules.”
The outer edge, adorned with a reddish hue, marks the coldest material where gas begins to thin and dust can emerge.
“These colors symbolize the star’s last breath transforming into the foundational material for new worlds, enriching our understanding of how planets originate,” the astronomers concluded.
This rewrite enhances keyword optimization for SEO while retaining the original content’s meaning and structure.
Source: www.sci.news
