Pillars of creation eagle

The Pillars of Creation in the Eagle Nebula are iconic star-forming structures, first photographed by the Hubble Telescope in 1995 and revisited in 2015 with higher resolution.

About this subject

The Pillars of Creation are stunning columns of interstellar gas and dust located in the heart of the Eagle Nebula, also known as Messier 16. This nebula is roughly 7,000 light-years away from Earth in the constellation Serpens. The pillars are active star-forming regions, where dense clouds of molecular hydrogen collapse under their own gravity to give birth to new stars. Intense ultraviolet radiation from nearby massive stars sculpts these structures, creating shapes that resemble fingers or pillars.

The original image of the Pillars of Creation, captured by the Hubble Space Telescope in 1995, became one of the most famous in astronomical history, revealing unprecedented detail in the interaction between young stars and the interstellar medium. In 2015, to celebrate Hubble's 25th anniversary, the telescope revisited the region, producing images in visible and infrared light. The infrared version, in particular, allowed astronomers to peer through the dust, revealing newborn stars hidden inside the pillars.

Interestingly, evidence suggests that the Pillars of Creation might have already been destroyed by a supernova about 6,000 years ago. Because light travels at a finite speed, we still see the pillars as they were in the past due to the 7,000-light-year distance. The tallest pillar is about 4 light-years high, equivalent to 37 trillion kilometers. The Eagle Nebula was discovered by French astronomer Charles Messier in 1764, and today it is one of the most studied celestial objects, providing crucial insights into the life cycle of stars.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Pillars of Creation?

They are columns of gas and dust in the Eagle Nebula where stars are being born. They were photographed by the Hubble Telescope in 1995 and 2015.

Where are the Pillars of Creation located?

They are in the Eagle Nebula (Messier 16), about 7,000 light-years from Earth in the constellation Serpens.

Why are they called the Pillars of Creation?

The name reflects that they are stellar nurseries where new stars are created from clouds of gas and dust.