James Webb Telescope Maps 3D Structure of Interstellar Dust and Gas

New observations reveal intricate layers and magnetic features in the interstellar medium illuminated by a centuries-old supernova.

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope captured detailed images of interstellar dust and gas illuminated by light echoes from a 350-year-old supernova.
For the first time, scientists have mapped the 3D structure of the interstellar medium, uncovering sheet-like formations and dense knots previously undetected.
The observations highlight the influence of interstellar magnetic fields, revealing magnetic 'islands' within the gas and dust structures.
The light echoes, first detected by the retired Spitzer Space Telescope, were studied in unprecedented detail using Webb's infrared imaging capabilities.
Future spectroscopic studies with Webb aim to analyze changes in the composition of the dust as it interacts with the supernova's light echoes.