Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh
The James Webb Space Telescope has revealed light echoes from a supernova in Cassiopeia A, creating an extraordinary 3D view of interstellar gas and dust.
NASA’s Jacob Jencson likened the supernova’s illuminated interstellar material to “layers like an onion,” providing unprecedented insight into its structure.
Credit: NASA
Infrared imaging uncovered tightly packed sheets and knots in interstellar material, previously hidden from view, resembling intricate wood grain patterns.
Credit: NASA
Josh Peek from the Space Telescope Science Institute suggests these intricate sheets may be shaped by interstellar magnetic fields, forming dense, mysterious regions.
Credit: Space Telescope Science Institute
Webb’s NIRCam tracked the light echo’s expansion over weeks, showcasing its ability to capture short-term cosmic events in unparalleled detail.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson celebrated Webb’s success, calling it a "keyhole into the past" that echoes light from 350 years ago, shaping humanity’s understanding of space.
Filaments observed are just 400 astronomical units wide, revealing microstructures previously unimaginable, said Peek.
Credit: NASA
Knots resembling wood grain are thought to be magnetic “islands” embedded in interstellar magnetic fields, suggesting highly localized forces at play.
Credit: NASA
Armin Rest likened Webb’s observations to a CT scan, offering a true 3D view of interstellar dust, revolutionizing how scientists study cosmic materials.