Webb image reveals stunning details of the largest star-forming region in the Milky Way
A collage of the MIRI and NIRCam images of Sagittarius B2 (Image source: several - see sources; edited)
The James Webb Space Telescope has revealed details of the largest and most active star-forming region in the Milky Way, Sagittarius B2. This observation is providing scientists with valuable information that could help them understand some mysteries in the region.
Sagittarius B2 is located only a few hundred light-years away from Sagittarius A. Sagittarius A is the supermassive black hole at the heart of the Milky Way galaxy. The Milky Way’s entire galactic core is loaded with gas that should host star formation.
But interestingly, 50 percent of the star formation happens in Sagittarius B2, which has only 10 percent of the gas in the region. The disproportionate star formation in the galactic core remains a mystery.
To unravel that mystery, understanding Sagittarius B2 in detail might prove useful. Webb observed Sagittarius B2 using its Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) and Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI).
The NIRCam image reveals countless stars and the bright clouds of gas and dust around them. Several dark regions also appear in the image. These regions are filled with dark clouds too thick for Webb to see through. Although they look like empty space now, these clouds have the potential to give birth to future stars.
Sagittarius B2 NIRCam image (Image source: several - see sources)
In the MIRI image, glowing gas and dust take the spotlight. Only the brightest stars appear in the image as blue pinpoints. Scientists intend to carry out further research on this region to understand more about these stars, including their age and masses.
MIRI image of Sagittarius B2 (Image source: several - see sources)
NIRCam and MIRI image credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, Adam Ginsburg (University of Florida), Nazar Budaiev (University of Florida), Taehwa Yoo (University of Florida), and Alyssa Pagan (STScI)
Chibuike Okpara - Tech Writer - 222 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2024
I have always been fascinated by technology and digital devices my entire life and even got addicted to it. I have always marveled at the intricacy of even the simplest digital devices and systems around us. I have been writing and publishing articles online for about 6 years now, just about a year ago, I found myself lost in the marvel of smartphones and laptops we have in our hands every day. I developed a passion for learning about new devices and technologies that come with them and at some point, I asked myself, "Why not get into writing tech articles?" It is useless to say I followed up the idea — it is evident. I am an open-minded individual who derives an infinite amount of joy from researching and discovering new information, I believe there is so much to learn and such a short life to live, so I put my time to good use — learning new things. I am a 'bookworm' of the internet and digital devices. When I am not writing, you will find me on my devices still, I do explore and admire the beauty of nature and creatures. I am a fast learner and quickly adapt to changes, always looking forward to new adventures.
