NASA’s Hubble Telescope Captures Breathtaking Image of a Structure Dubbed ‘Pillar of Creation’ in the Universe

The space is filled with several stunning visuals that are captured by astronomers using advanced equipment. NASA recently published pictures of an extraterrestrial phenomenon in the Eagle Nebula (Messier 16), stated Indy100. The pictures were taken by the Hubble telescope. 

The picture focuses on a rising 9.5-light-year-tall pillar of gas and dust inside the Eagle Nebula (Messier 16), stated Daily Galaxy. The Eagle Nebula is a star-forming cosmic structure located roughly 7,000 light-years from Earth. Astronomers claim that this specific nebula's structure is sculpted into fantastic shapes by radiation produced by young stars. The pillar, as the one showcased in the picture, is supposedly formed due to the resistance shown by the cold gas and dust to the erosion subjected to the nearby stellar radiation

The recently released picture showcases one portion of the Eagle Nebula, stated Indy100. The photos appear to focus on a process associated with the birth of stars in the expansive columns. Radiation inside these columns facilitates the collapse of gas inside the structure. This collapse, in turn, leads to the birth of a new cycle of stars.

The image was reprocessed using data available with the Hubble telescope and published on April 18, 2025, by NASA. The reprocessing improves the color and resolution of the original image, stated Daily Galaxy. This, in turn, helps observers in seeing the finer details of the dust and gas present in the formation. Researchers are hopeful that such an in-depth look will help them in analyzing the process of star formation, gas dynamics in the nebula, and radiation feedback in a better manner.

This structure was chosen, as it is one of the iconic space targets the telescope has captured throughout its history. It has been enhanced using advanced image processing techniques. The structure showcased in the photo is similar to the 'pillars of creation,' which are also present in this nebula, stated Daily Galaxy. NASA believes the nebula has been hosting birth cycles of stars for millions of years.

Eagle Nebula is one of the many nebulae situated in the Milky Way Galaxy, stated SciTech. The structure is popular amongst aficionados because of its sculpted, dusty clouds. The nebula's appearance gave the structure its name. The nebula's edge is enveloped by dark clouds, some of which are also noticeable in the image. This feature makes the phenomenon look like an eagle spreading its wings. The nebula's heart is placed beyond the edge of this image and contains a cluster of stars. These stars have caused a cavity, and it is from there that they release radiation to form the pillar-like structures. 

The photo was released in celebration of Hubble's 35th anniversary. Other images published to celebrate the occasion focus on NGC 346 and the Sombrero Galaxy. This photo of the Eagle Nebula captured by the Hubble telescope was first published in 2005. Back then, it was put out on the occasion of Hubble's 15th anniversary. The same image has now made a comeback, but in better quality. Such releases showcase the value in long-term astronomical observation, as the same image provides more insights as time goes on.