Image from the Hubble Space Telescope portraying the protostellar entity OH 339.88-1.26, situated 8,900 light-years away in the Ara constellation. Attribution: ESA/Hubble & NASA, J. Tan
The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has obtained a captivating image filled with cosmic dust of the protostellar entity known as OH 339.88-1.26. This entity resides 8,900 light-years from Earth, within the Ara constellation. The image displays intricate paths of dark cosmic dust intersecting with luminous stars, their glow accentuated by intersecting diffraction spikes.
Table of Contents
Deciphering the Enigmas of OH 339.88-1.26
Obscured by a dark vertical line at the center of the image is OH 339.88-1.26, categorized as an astrophysical maser. A maser—standing for “Microwave Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation”—functions similarly to a laser but operates at microwave wavelengths to produce coherent light. These captivating phenomena naturally occur in various astrophysical settings, ranging from Jupiter’s north pole to stellar nurseries like the one illustrated in this image.
Hubble’s Comprehensive Exploration of Stellar Genesis
The image is part of a series of Hubble’s observational studies intended to scrutinize the cores of areas where colossal stars are in the process of forming. These studies aim to elucidate the characteristics of massive protostars and to evaluate theories concerning their genesis. For this exploration, astronomers utilized the Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) on the Hubble telescope to investigate five intermediate-mass protostars through infrared wavelengths.
Complementing the Hubble’s data were contributions from other cutting-edge observatories, including the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA). ALMA consists of 66 adjustable high-precision antennas, spread across distances up to 16 kilometers (approximately 10 miles) on a plateau situated at a high elevation in the Chilean Andes. Additional data were supplied by the Stratospheric Observatory For Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA), a telescope that had been operating—until a recent period—from a modified 747 aircraft.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hubble Space Telescope’s Observation of Protostellar Entity OH 339.88-1.26
What is the primary focus of the article?
The article primarily focuses on the Hubble Space Telescope’s observations of a protostellar entity known as OH 339.88-1.26, which is located 8,900 light-years away from Earth in the constellation of Ara. It delves into the characteristics of this celestial object and the enigmatic phenomenon of astrophysical masers associated with it.
What is an astrophysical maser?
An astrophysical maser is a natural phenomenon that operates similarly to a laser but at microwave wavelengths. The term maser stands for “Microwave Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.” Astrophysical masers are found in various celestial settings, including the north pole of Jupiter and star-forming regions.
What was the purpose of Hubble’s observations?
Hubble’s observations aimed to scrutinize the core regions where massive stars are being formed. The study aims to elucidate the characteristics of massive protostars and evaluate existing theories about their formation.
Which other observatories contributed to the research?
The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) and the Stratospheric Observatory For Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) also contributed to the research. ALMA consists of 66 adjustable high-precision antennas, while SOFIA is a telescope that had been operating from a modified 747 aircraft until recently.
What technology did Hubble use for these observations?
For these observations, astronomers used Hubble’s Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) to explore the protostars at infrared wavelengths.
What unique visual elements does the Hubble image showcase?
The Hubble image features intricate paths of dark cosmic dust that intersect with luminous stars. These stars’ glow is accentuated by intersecting diffraction spikes, creating a visually captivating image.
How far away is the protostellar entity OH 339.88-1.26 from Earth?
The protostellar entity OH 339.88-1.26 is located at a distance of 8,900 light-years from Earth. It resides within the constellation of Ara.
