The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), renowned for its role in helping humanity comprehend the universe's origins, has now discovered a brand-new cosmic mystery: a huge cosmic question mark.
The Herbig-Haro 46 /47 stars, considered as young and 1,470 light-years distant from Earth in the constellation Vela, may now be seen in an image published by the JWST team at the European Space Agency (ESA), according to Daily Mail.
James Webb Space Telescope spies giant cosmic question mark in deep space (photo) https://t.co/GB9jRE4Rh6 pic.twitter.com/fMcsfhEEw0
— SPACE.com (@SPACEdotcom) July 28, 2023
One of The Recently Discovered Fascinating Objects in The Universe
The Herbig-Haro 46 /47 provide unique insights into the first phases of star creation since they are surrounded by a disk of material that supports their expansion over millions of years. On the other hand, the image's backdrop reveals a fascinating space object that resembles a cosmic question mark.
The reddish cosmic question mark in space indicates its distance from Earth. Due to its unusual appearance, the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) believes the object is a new discovery, National World reported. More observations and analysis are required to confirm the item and its relevance.
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The remarkable discovery of the cosmic question mark is the latest in a string of cosmic happenings that have been compared to symbols or forms familiar to humans. Astronomers have already found galaxies that resemble anything from penguins and flowers to the alphabet. These findings highlight the many interesting designs found across the universe.
The JWST is the most advanced telescope ever launched into space. It has the unusual capacity to record faraway galaxies that were there just after the Big Bang. Its image of Herbig-Haro 46/47 and the neighboring galaxies in the near-infrared provides a window into the early cosmos and the processes that led to star formation.
It's Not A Star
Experts speculate that it may be a far-off galaxy or the outcome of galaxies colliding; however, its origin and characteristics are yet unknown.
Illinois State University associate professor of physics Matt Caplan hypothesizes that the question mark in space might be a pair of merging galaxies, per Space.com. The top portion of the object could be connected to a giant galaxy affected by the merger's tidal disturbance.
The possibility of the mysterious celestial object being a star is ruled out by some despite the case of alternative explanations due to the shortage of the distinctive eight-pronged refraction spikes that stars often display in JWST photos.
Examining the orange-white splotch and the disk of gas and dust that surrounds the question mark in space closely will reveal the image's relevance.
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