James Webb Captures Images of Light Echoes From Exploding Star

The James Webb Space Telescope captured images of light echoes that will allow astronomers to map the 3-D structure of interstellar dust and gas for the first time, nasa reported on January 14.

A light echo occurs when a star explodes and sends light into the surrounding interstellar dust causing it to glow. In August and September, Webb’s near-infrared camera captured images of light echoes near the supernova remnant Cassiopeia A.

Details: The images show tightly packed layers of gas and dust that appear on a scale of about 400 astronomical units, or less than 100th of a light-year. (An astronomical unit is the average distance between the Earth and sun.)

“We did not know that the interstellar medium had structures on that small of a scale, let alone that it was sheet-like,” said Josh Peek of the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore.

“This is the astronomical equivalent of a medical CT scan,” explained astronomer Armin Rest. “We have three slices taken at three different times, which will allow us to study the true 3-D structure. It will completely change the way we study the interstellar medium.”

Expanded vision: In his article “How the Heavens Prophesy,” Trumpet editor in chief Gerald Flurry explained that the James Webb telescope helps mankind see God’s handiwork. The more you understand the universe, the better you can understand the God who created it.

To learn more, read Mr. Flurry’s article here.