Step into Space with NASA's latest 3D video as it takes you through the cosmic 'Pillars of Creation'

NASA has released an extraordinary 3D visualization of the 'Pillars of Creation,' located in the Eagle Nebula. This video combines images from the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes, providing viewers with a breathtaking experience of these iconic cosmic structures. The 'Pillars of Creation' in the Eagle Nebula have captivated humanity for decades, thanks to NASA's pioneering work with the Hubble Space Telescope, which first captured their ethereal beauty in the 1990s.

NASA's 3D Journey Through the Pillars of Creation

This latest 3D video from NASA allows viewers to immerse themselves in the 'Pillars of Creation' like never before. Utilizing imagery from both the Hubble and Webb Telescopes, the video provides a three-dimensional exploration of these cosmic structures. While the Hubble telescope captures stunning visible light images, the Webb telescope's infrared photos offer a different perspective, highlighting the contrasting views of the pillars.


Principal visualization scientist Frank Summers of the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore emphasized, "The contrast helps them understand why we have more than one space telescope to observe different aspects of the same object." He further explained, "By flying past and amongst the pillars, viewers experience their three-dimensional structure and see how they look different in the Hubble visible-light view versus the Webb infrared-light view."

Exploring Cosmic Structures

The 'Pillars of Creation,' first photographed by Hubble in the 1990s, have long fascinated astronomers and the public alike. The new 3D video allows viewers to navigate through these massive columns of gas and dust. "By flying past and amongst the pillars, viewers experience their three-dimensional structure and see how they look different in the Hubble visible-light view versus the Webb infrared-light view," said Frank Summers, principal visualization scientist at the Space Telescope Science Institute.

What is the Pillars of Creation

Situated in the Eagle Nebula, about 7,000 light-years from Earth, the 'Pillars of Creation' are primarily composed of cool molecular hydrogen and dust, hiding young stars within their towering forms. These structures are shaped by powerful winds and ultraviolet radiation from nearby young stars. The tallest pillar measures three light-years from top to bottom.

The 'Pillars of Creation' are striking columns of cosmic dust and gas located within the Eagle Nebula, or M16. Nebulas are immense clouds where stars are either born or are remnants of stellar explosions. In the Eagle Nebula, these iconic pillars hide newly formed stars within their wispy structures, composed of elements such as oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, and hydrogen. Spanning 4 to 5 light-years, the Eagle Nebula was discovered in 1745 by Swiss astronomer Jean-Philippe Loys de Chéseaux. Situated 7,000 light-years away in the constellation Serpens, this region continues to captivate astronomers and the public alike.

Enhancing Public Engagement

The 3D visualization, grounded in scientific data, offers insights into the processes of star formation. It includes a 3D printable model, allowing enthusiasts to explore the structures in detail. This project is part of NASA's Universe of Learning initiative, aimed at making complex astronomical phenomena accessible through interactive tools and exhibits. The narrated video helps connect viewers with the science and discoveries behind NASA’s astrophysics missions.

NASA’s 3D visualization of the 'Pillars of Creation' not only deepens our understanding of these cosmic formations but also brings the marvels of the universe closer to the public.