2022 Cosmic Cliffs in the Carina Nebula

Seeing beyond the invisible: the birth of stars revealed through infrared photography.

The “Cosmic Cliffs” within the Carina Nebula, captured by the James Webb Space Telescope in 2022, represent a profound leap in our ability to explore the unseen universe. Spanning approximately 7.3 arcminutes across, which translates to about 16 light-years, this breathtaking image unveils a vast landscape of star formation. The intricate structures—dense clouds of gas and dust—are rendered with unprecedented clarity, thanks to the use of advanced infrared technology. These hidden regions, previously obscured, now reveal stellar nurseries where new stars are born.

The photograph exemplifies the power of modern imaging techniques, which allow us to see beyond the visible spectrum. The use of infrared wavelengths enables the telescope to peer through thick cosmic material, exposing the dynamic processes within the nebula. This visual breakthrough not only deepens our understanding of stellar formation but also paves the way for future technological advancements. The sheer scale and detail of the “Cosmic Cliffs” image offer a fresh perspective on the universe's hidden beauty, demonstrating how cutting-edge technology allows us to capture the unseen.

Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, Public domain
Author: James Webb Telescope, NASA and the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI)
Title: “Cosmic Cliffs” in the Carina Nebula
Date: 3 June 2022
Archive: James Webb Telescope, STScI is operated by the Association of Universities for research in Astronomy, Inc., under a contract with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Source: NASA, https://www.nasa.gov/image-article/nasas-webb-reveals-cosmic-cliffs-glittering-landscape-of-star-birth/
Original file: 14575 x 8441, TIFF image - 135.6 MB
Available information: Image is about 7.3 arcminutes across (16 light-years).