The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has released a new image of a small star-forming region captured by the James Webb Space Telescope on July 12, marking the completion of the telescope’s first year of scientific research.
New image of a small star-forming region captured by the James Webb Space Telescope on July 12, 2023. (Photo: AFP/TTXVN).
According to NASA, the image reveals the star-forming region located closest to Earth within the Rho Ophiuchi cloud complex, approximately 390 light-years away, allowing for detailed observation of the area. This region consists of about 50 newly formed stars with masses equivalent to or less than that of the Sun.
Klaus Pontoppidan, a scientist involved in the Webb research project at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Maryland, stated: “The image from Webb of Rho Ophiuchi allows us to witness a very brief stage in the life cycle of stars clearly. Our Sun went through a similar phase a long time ago, and now we have the technology to see the beginning of another star’s story.“
Echoing this sentiment, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson remarked: “In just one year, the James Webb Telescope has transformed humanity’s view of the universe. For the first time, we can closely observe dust clouds and see light from the farthest corners of space. Each new image is a new discovery, encouraging and enabling scientists worldwide to ask and answer questions they never dreamed possible.”
