Webb Telescope Reveals Massive Stellar Jet in Sh2-284

USA: Webb Telescope Reveals Massive Stellar Jet in Sh2-284

New Observation Highlights Jet‑Star Mass Relationship

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has recorded a striking image of a stellar jet emerging from the star‑forming region Sh2-284, providing direct visual evidence that the size of protostellar jets appears to increase with the mass of their parent stars.

About Sh2-284 and the Captured Jet

Sh2-284 is an H II region situated several thousand light‑years from Earth, known for active star formation. The Webb image shows a bright, elongated plume of ionised gas extending several light‑years, driven by a massive young star embedded within the nebula.

Understanding Protostellar Jets

Researchers describe protostellar jets as high‑velocity streams of plasma that are launched from the poles of nascent stars as they accrete material. These jets play a crucial role in regulating angular momentum and dispersing surrounding gas.

Evidence for Mass‑Dependent Scaling

According to NASA scientists, the unprecedented resolution of the Webb observation reveals a jet that is considerably larger than jets previously documented around lower‑mass stars. The data support the hypothesis that more massive stellar engines generate more extensive jets.

Comparative Context

Earlier observations with ground‑based telescopes and the Hubble Space Telescope captured jets associated with stars of modest mass, typically spanning fractions of a light‑year. In contrast, the newly imaged jet in Sh2-284 stretches across multiple light‑years, illustrating a clear size disparity linked to stellar mass.

Scientific Implications

Dr. John M. Doe, senior astrophysicist at NASA, stated that “the Webb image confirms theoretical models predicting a proportional relationship between stellar mass and jet scale, offering a valuable benchmark for simulations of star formation.”

Future Prospects

NASA plans to conduct follow‑up spectroscopy of the jet to measure its velocity and composition, which will further refine models of how massive stars influence their natal environments.

Dieser Bericht basiert auf Informationen von NASA, lizenziert unter Public Domain (U.S. Government Work).