Astronomers have long been fascinated by the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Now, a stunning image from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory reveals a cosmic wreath-like structure made up of stars and dust clouds on the outskirts of the Small Magellanic Cloud.
Located 200,000 light-years from Earth, the star cluster NGC 602 has fewer heavy elements compared to the Sun and most of the galaxy. Instead, its conditions mimic those of stars found billions of years ago when the universe was younger. The Chandra image shows dense clouds of filled dust in a ring-like outline, surrounded by young, massive stars that are illuminating the structure with high-energy light.
A new image released by NASA combines data from the Chandra X-ray Observatory and the James Webb Space Telescope, providing a unique perspective on this ancient wreath. The dark ring-like outline is made up of dust clouds, while the surrounding area is filled with young, massive stars that are emitting X-rays powered by their winds.
Another star cluster, NGC 2264, has also been imaged in stunning detail. Located about 2,500 light-years from Earth, this “Christmas Tree Cluster” features wispy green clouds that resemble an evergreen tree, dotting the structure with tiny specks of white, blue, purple, and red light.
These images showcase the beauty and complexity of the universe, providing a glimpse into the life cycles of stars and galaxies. The Chandra X-ray Observatory’s latest release is a testament to the power of space exploration and the wonders that await us in the vast expanse of the cosmos.
Source: https://www.nasa.gov/image-article/nasa-missions-spot-cosmic-wreath-displaying-stellar-circle-of-life