Astronomers studying the life cycles of stars have uncovered breathtaking images of star clusters resembling festive symbols. The NGC 602 star cluster, captured using NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory and the James Webb Space Telescope, appears as a cosmic wreath. Dense dust clouds encircle the cluster, with hues of orange, yellow, green, and blue forming the ring, while X-ray data reveals splashes of red. These layers create a soft, feathery appearance, mimicking evergreen branches.
NGC 602 stars, rich in ancient characteristics due to their low heavy-element content, provide a glimpse into the early universe, helping scientists decode how stars formed billions of years ago.
Adding to the celestial holiday theme is the “Christmas Tree Cluster,” NGC 2264. Combining Chandra’s X-ray data with astrophotographer Michael Clow’s optical images, the cluster reveals cone-shaped green clouds resembling trees, adorned with starry “lights” in blue, red, and white. At just 2,500 light-years from Earth, NGC 2264’s youthful stars, aged between one and five million years, contrast with our 5-billion-year-old Sun.
These images not only mirror holiday decorations but also offer a deeper understanding of stellar evolution and the universe’s transformation across eons.
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