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Hubble Reveals Enhanced Image of Eagle Nebula’s Towering Gas Pillar

ESA/Hubble marks its 35th anniversary with a reprocessed 2005 image showcasing a 9.5-light-year filament of cold gas and dust in the Eagle Nebula.

Image

Overview

  • The reprocessed image depicts a 9.5-light-year-long pillar in the Eagle Nebula, composed of cold hydrogen gas and dust essential for star formation.
  • The Eagle Nebula, also known as Messier 16, is located 7,000 light-years away in the Serpens constellation.
  • New image-processing techniques applied to the 2005 Hubble data enhance the visual detail and scientific insights of the cosmic structure.
  • The color mapping highlights key components: blue for ionized oxygen, red for hydrogen emissions, and orange for starlight penetrating dust.
  • This release is part of Hubble's 35th-anniversary celebrations, underscoring its enduring legacy in advancing astronomical discovery.