Massive shockwaves and spider-like arcs in the Red Spider Nebula
At the heart of this nebula, the intense heat emitted by the central star supercharges the surrounding gas, creating colossal shockwaves that stretch over 62 billion miles (100 billion kilometres) into the cosmic expanse. These massive shockwaves give the nebula its striking, spider-leg-like arcs that resemble the limbs of the iconic eight-legged creature.
NASA described the visuals captured by Hubble as “orange waves of hot gas” that bend into curves similar to spider legs. At the nebula’s core, a radiant pinkish glow can be seen, contrasted by the dark background filled with glowing white stars, adding to its ethereal beauty.
Public enthralled by the Nebula’s beauty
The images of the Red Spider Nebula have garnered immense attention on social media, amassing over 600,000 likes. Enthusiastic viewers flooded the comment sections, with some referring to it as a “celestial spider” and others marvelling at the intricate details, calling it “a cosmic masterpiece.”
Hubble’s contributions to astronomy
Since its launch in 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope, a joint effort between NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA), has observed nearly 47,000 celestial objects and conducted over 1.4 million space observations. The recent images of the Red Spider Nebula add to Hubble’s extensive and invaluable contributions to our understanding of the universe.
Hubble’s enduring legacy
Named in honour of astronomer Edwin P. Hubble, who discovered the expanding universe, the telescope has travelled over 4.4 billion miles through space. Hubble continues to deliver awe-inspiring images of the cosmos and offers profound insights into the mysteries of the universe, further solidifying its place in the history of space exploration.
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