NASA converts iconic James Webb Telescope image into a detailed 3D visualisation
Cosmic Cliffs
NASA has turned one of James Webb Space Telescope’s first images—captured in July 2022—into a detailed 3D visualisation called "Exploring the Cosmic Cliffs in 3D." It reveals new dimensions of a breathtaking star-forming region in deep space.
What Are the Cosmic Cliffs?
The Cosmic Cliffs appear like mountains and valleys, but are actually part of Gum 31, a nebula within the Carina Nebula Complex. The cliffs showcase the young star cluster NGC 3324 forming amidst clouds of gas and dust.
Behind the Visual
The “steam” rising from the cliffs is not mist but hot, ionised gas streaming away due to intense ultraviolet radiation from massive young stars—essentially the stellar version of erosion.
Spot the Baby Stars
Sharp viewers can spot bright yellow arcs and streaks in the visualisation. These represent outflows—jets of material—from stars still forming within the dense parts of the nebula.
Protostellar Jet Highlighted
In the later part of the visual journey, NASA zooms past a prominent protostellar jet located at the upper right of the image—giving a close look at star formation in action.
Why 3D Matters
Frank Summers of STScI, who led the visualisation effort, said the 3D model helps the public develop a better mental image of the universe, adding depth and structure to what was originally a 2D capture.
James Webb’s Bigger Mission
The JWST is NASA’s most powerful space observatory, aimed at uncovering mysteries of the early universe, spotting exoplanets, and exploring the birth of stars and galaxies—like those shown in the Cosmic Cliffs.
NASA converts iconic James Webb Telescope image into a detailed 3D visualisation
Produced by Tarun Mishra
Cosmic Cliffs
NASA has turned one of James Webb Space Telescope’s first images—captured in July 2022—into a detailed 3D visualisation called "Exploring the Cosmic Cliffs in 3D." It reveals new dimensions of a breathtaking star-forming region in deep space.
What Are the Cosmic Cliffs?
The Cosmic Cliffs appear like mountains and valleys, but are actually part of Gum 31, a nebula within the Carina Nebula Complex. The cliffs showcase the young star cluster NGC 3324 forming amidst clouds of gas and dust.
Behind the Visual
The “steam” rising from the cliffs is not mist but hot, ionised gas streaming away due to intense ultraviolet radiation from massive young stars—essentially the stellar version of erosion.
Spot the Baby Stars
Sharp viewers can spot bright yellow arcs and streaks in the visualisation. These represent outflows—jets of material—from stars still forming within the dense parts of the nebula.
Protostellar Jet Highlighted
In the later part of the visual journey, NASA zooms past a prominent protostellar jet located at the upper right of the image—giving a close look at star formation in action.
Why 3D Matters
Frank Summers of STScI, who led the visualisation effort, said the 3D model helps the public develop a better mental image of the universe, adding depth and structure to what was originally a 2D capture.
James Webb’s Bigger Mission
The JWST is NASA’s most powerful space observatory, aimed at uncovering mysteries of the early universe, spotting exoplanets, and exploring the birth of stars and galaxies—like those shown in the Cosmic Cliffs.