Astronomers have made several notable discoveries using advanced telescopes including the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), the Very Large Telescope (VLT), and ALMA. One key finding is the identification of a new type of supernova that reveals hidden layers within massive stars, confirming some existing theories while opening new questions about stellar explosions. Infrared observations of the barred spiral galaxy NGC 2283, located 45 million light-years away, have highlighted star clusters, gas clouds, and recent supernova activity. Additionally, astronomers have captured unprecedented images of the Butterfly Nebula, a planetary nebula formed from the death of a sun-like star, showing jets, gas, dust, and the formation of large dust grains that could lead to planet formation. A rare direct image of a newborn exoplanet named WISPIT 2b, approximately five times the mass of Jupiter, has been observed carving a path through the disk of dust around its star. This discovery is considered a benchmark in the study of planet formation, providing the first clear detection of a baby planet within a disk featuring multiple rings. The Helix Nebula, about 700 light-years away, was also imaged, revealing the remnants of a dying star similar to the Sun. These findings collectively enhance understanding of stellar life cycles, planet formation, and cosmic structures.
Three Incredible Telescopes Looked At The Butterfly Nebula To Learn Where Earth Came From 🔭 https://t.co/xRiGq3FXSy
Webb investigates complex heart of a cosmic butterfly Webb joined forces with ALMA to bring you this unprecedented view into the heart of the nebula – seen here alongside optical & near-infrared images from Hubble. https://t.co/ybM8tm0GPJ
Incredible that our best telescopes can now see planets forming around other, Sun-like stars. Galileo would be delighted. https://t.co/ZlJxmJpxri https://t.co/VbLPzMqjNY