Pillars of creation eagle

The Pillars of Creation in the Eagle Nebula are one of the Hubble telescope's most iconic images, revealing stellar nurseries 7,000 light-years from Earth.

About this subject

The Pillars of Creation are structures of interstellar gas and dust located in the Eagle Nebula (M16), in the constellation Serpens. This star-forming region lies approximately 7,000 light-years from the Solar System. The columns, spanning about 4 to 5 light-years, are composed primarily of molecular hydrogen, heated by the ultraviolet radiation from nearby young, massive stars. The iconic image was captured by the Hubble Space Telescope in 1995, using filters that highlight the emission of different chemical elements such as oxygen, hydrogen, and sulfur. This combination produced vibrant colors that reveal the three-dimensional structure of the clouds.

The name "Pillars of Creation" was coined because, within these dense clouds, new stars are forming through gravitational collapse. The radiation and stellar winds from already-formed nearby stars sculpt the pillars, creating globular features at their tips called evaporating gaseous globules (EGGs). In 2015, Hubble revisited the region with its Wide Field Camera 3, generating an image in visible and infrared light that allowed astronomers to peer through the dust and identify hidden protostars.

Subsequent studies, including observations from the Herschel Space Observatory and the Spitzer telescope, suggest that the Pillars of Creation may have already been destroyed by a supernova about 6,000 years ago, but due to the distance, we still see the intact structure. This discovery underscores the dynamic and transient nature of star-forming regions. The Eagle Nebula is a popular object among amateur astronomers, although the pillars themselves are difficult to observe visually with small telescopes, being more accessible through long-exposure astrophotography.

The image of the Pillars of Creation is a prime example of Hubble's ability to reveal the beauty and complexity of the cosmos. It has inspired numerous studies on star formation and helped popularize astronomy among the general public. Since its release, the photograph has been reproduced in books, documentaries, and even postage stamps, becoming a symbol of modern space exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Pillars of Creation?

The Pillars of Creation are structures of gas and dust in the Eagle Nebula where new stars are forming. They were photographed by the Hubble Space Telescope in 1995.

How far are the Pillars of Creation from Earth?

They are located approximately 7,000 light-years away in the constellation Serpens.

Why are they called the Pillars of Creation?

The name reflects that these dense clouds are stellar nurseries, where radiation and winds from young stars sculpt the pillars, triggering the formation of new stars.