The spires and pillars in the new images of the Carina Nebula are vast clouds of dust and gas within a hub of star formation about 7,500 light-years away. The researchers announced the discovery of these clouds Wednesday, showing off the pillars with radiant images taken by the Very Large Telescope in Chile. A pillar of gas and dust, three light-years tall, which is being eaten away by the brilliant light from nearby bright stars. (It is a matter of perspective: Pillars of Destruction refers to the cloud, and Creation to the stars.) It is possible, according to the ESO, that radiation also shoves the gas into denser pockets, creating the right conditions for new stars.

Source: Washington Post November 03, 2016 10:01 UTC