'Pillars of creation' destroyed by supernova

[qzzq]

From NewScientistSpace.com:<ul type="square"><b>'Pillars of creation' destroyed by supernova</b><br /><br />The famous "pillars of creation" – clouds of dust and gas imaged by the Hubble Space Telescope, are no more – a supernova blast wave has blown them apart. But their ghostly image will linger for another thousand years because of the time it takes for light to travel from them to Earth.<br /><br />The pillars have been astronomical icons since Hubble imaged them in 1995 (scroll down for Hubble image). They are part of a larger star-forming region called the Eagle Nebula, which lies 7000 light years away. That means we are seeing the pillars as they were 7000 years ago, when the light first left them.<br /><br />Now, an infrared image from the Spitzer Space Telescope has revealed a previously unseen supernova blast wave that was advancing towards the pillars at that time, threatening to ultimately sweep them away.<br /><br /><b>In tatters</b><br /><br />...<br /><br />Based on the cloud's position, the blast wave looked set to hit the pillars in 1000 years. Taking into account the 7000-year time lag for their light to reach the Earth, that means the pillars were actually destroyed 6000 years ago, Flagey says. <br /><br />We will not see their obliteration from Earth for another 1000 years, however.<br />... (More at the link)</ul>And the picture from Spitzer Space Telescope. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p> </p><p>***</p> </div>

 

[MeteorWayne]

Good thing we got a picture first.<br /><br /><br />At least we've got 6000 years to take more! <br /><br />Are these the same pillars? This is my most awe inspiring Hubble image ever. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>

 

[docm]

The pillars are in the Spitzer image just to the right of center and rotated a bit CCW. You have ~1,000 years to view them. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[MeteorWayne]

Thanx, I see them now <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>

 

[sponge]

I agree i have the same pic, it definately is an awe inspiring pic. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><em><u>SPONGE</u></em></p> </div>

 

[sponge]

Thanks for the link qzzq. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><em><u>SPONGE</u></em></p> </div>

 

[qzzq]

You're welcome! <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p> </p><p>***</p> </div>

 

[weeman]

I see the pillars in the Spitzer image, they look so tiny. It is amazing that they look as if you could hold them in your hand, yet they are how many lightyears tall? I know that Earth is merely a spec of dust compared to these pillars! <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p> </p><p><strong><font color="#ff0000">Techies: We do it in the dark. </font></strong></p><p><font color="#0000ff"><strong>"Put your hand on a stove for a minute and it seems like an hour. Sit with that special girl for an hour and it seems like a minute. That's relativity.</strong><strong>" -Albert Einstein </strong></font></p> </div>

 

[MeteorWayne]

That's what's so awe inspiring about both images. Here we see new stars being born, their final shape and form being modified by the environment. Supernovas and UV radiation help determine exactly how much dust and gas goes into each system. Thus are the dice rolled for a new star or stars, brown dwarf, planetary system, and yes, even little "just wishing to be" a speck of dust like us.<br /><br />Did I say those pix were awe inspiring? <img src="/images/icons/blush.gif" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>