Scientists using the James Webb Space Telescope have captured images of supersonic jets emitted by a newborn star. The powerful telescope, scheduled to launch in 2021, is equipped with an instrument called NIRSpec, which allows scientists to study the intricate details of these jets and gain valuable insights into star formation processes.

When a star forms, it emits powerful jets of gas and dust that travel at supersonic speeds. These jets play a crucial role in shaping and influencing the structure of their surrounding environment. However, until now, it has been difficult for scientists to observe and study these jets in detail due to their faint and elusive nature.

The James Webb Space Telescope, dubbed Webb, offers unprecedented capabilities in capturing these elusive jets. Powered with NIRSpec, Webb can observe the jets in near-infrared light, enabling scientists to study the high-velocity gas streams in fine detail.

In a recent study, scientists utilized Webb's capabilities to focus on the HH 46/47 system, a young, newly formed star located approximately 1,140 light-years away from Earth. The study revealed that the newborn star is expelling jets of material at speeds of up to 600,000 kilometers per hour.

These supersonic jets extend over 12 light-years and are sculpting the surrounding gas and dust, creating a cavity within the molecular cloud in which the star is forming.

Furthermore, scientists were able to identify several prominent features within the jet structure, including bright spots and knots. These specific features provide clues about the underlying physical processes occurring within the star-forming region.

The detailed observations made by Webb also unveiled information about the gas chemistry within the star-forming region. By studying the emission from different molecules, such as hydrogen cyanide and carbon monoxide, scientists were able to determine the density and temperature of the gas surrounding the jets.

These findings contribute to our understanding of star formation and provide insights into how these processes shape the overall structure of galaxies.

The ability to capture these supersonic jets using Webb's advanced technology is an exciting milestone for astronomers. It allows scientists to study the processes occurring during the early stages of star formation, which are crucial for understanding the formation and evolution of stars and galaxies.

Overall, the James Webb Space Telescope has provided a breakthrough in capturing the intricate details of supersonic jets emitted by newborn stars. The observations captured by Webb's NIRSpec instrument offer valuable insights into the processes occurring during star formation and contribute to our understanding of the universe.