A conceptual Image of the James Webb Space Telescope deploying in orbit (ESA; cropped)
The James Webb Space Telescope has zoomed in on IRAS 04302+2247’s protoplanetary disk, about 525 light-years away from Earth. Scientists are using this observation to study the dust grains within the disk and how they can eventually give rise to planets.
Protoplanetary disks are rotating disks of dust and gas surrounding a young star. This disk contains materials that could eventually form planets and other celestial bodies. Programs like the Webb GO 2562 study the dust grains within these disks to understand the earliest stages of planet formation.
Webb’s observation of the disk around IRAS 04302+2247 (IRAS 04302 for short) is part of that program. Researchers combined data from Webb’s NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera) and MIRI (Mid-Infrared Instrument) with Hubble’s optical data to produce a detailed image of this protoplanetary disk.
In the image, a dark vertical dust lane at the center blocks out some light from the young star at the center of the disk. On either side of this dark dust lane are reflection nebulae. The structure of the star and its disk from this view give a butterfly-like appearance. This is why the star is nicknamed “Butterfly Star.”
Webb’s infrared instruments allowed it to see the tiny dust grains that reflect IRAS 04302’s light. These dust grains stretch a great distance from the center of the disk. Hubble’s optical imaging focused on the dark dust lane and the clumps and streaks of gas around it. Hubble’s aspect of this image tells us that the star is still feeding on nearby material and at the same time blasting out jets and outflows.
The Webb GO 2562 Program aims to study four protoplanetary disks that have their sides facing us (edge-on orientation). The Butterfly Star’s disk is just one of them.
An image of the Butterfly star captured by Webb (NASA, ESA, and CSA)
Chibuike Okpara – Tech Writer – 155 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2024
I have always been fascinated by technology and digital devices my entire life and even got addicted to it. I have always marveled at the intricacy of even the simplest digital devices and systems around us. I have been writing and publishing articles online for about 6 years now, just about a year ago, I found myself lost in the marvel of smartphones and laptops we have in our hands every day. I developed a passion for learning about new devices and technologies that come with them and at some point, I asked myself, “Why not get into writing tech articles?” It is useless to say I followed up the idea — it is evident. I am an open-minded individual who derives an infinite amount of joy from researching and discovering new information, I believe there is so much to learn and such a short life to live, so I put my time to good use — learning new things. I am a ‘bookworm’ of the internet and digital devices. When I am not writing, you will find me on my devices still, I do explore and admire the beauty of nature and creatures. I am a fast learner and quickly adapt to changes, always looking forward to new adventures.