NEBULAE · 2007-01-09
Unwrapping the Pillars
The Eagle Nebula is shown through infrared observations from Spitzer and visible-light observations from Hubble.
What to observe
- Compare the apparent density of the pillars in visible and infrared light.
- Look for stars or structures that become easier to distinguish in one view.
Explanation
Different wavelength ranges interact differently with the dust in the nebula, so the same region does not reveal the same structure in every view.
Color method
The composite places infrared and visible-light views together for comparison; the panels do not represent one uniform visible-color exposure.
Why it matters
Changing wavelength can reveal information hidden in a familiar visible-light image.
Sources and credits
Asset credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/STScI/ Institut dAstrophysique Spatiale / JPL