Composite images from NASAs Chandra X-ray Observatory and James Webb Space Telescope reveal the wonders of Rho Ophiuchi, Orion Nebula, NGC 3627, and MACS J0416, showcasing star formation, galaxy structures, and massive galaxy clusters.© Provided by Hindustan Times

NASA Chandra X-ray Observatory and James Webb Space Telescope have captured stunning images of four celestial destinations, providing new insights into the universe's wonders.

Rho Ophiuchi: Star-Forming Region

Our first stop is Rho Ophiuchi, located 390 light-years from Earth. This cloud complex is teeming with gas and stars of varying sizes and ages, making it an ideal site for studying star formation. In the composite image, X-rays from Chandra are shown in purple, revealing infant stars emitting X-rays. Infrared data from Webb appear in red, yellow, cyan, light blue, and darker blue, showcasing the regions of gas and dust.

Orion Nebula: Stellar Nursery

Next, we visit the Orion Nebula, about 1,500 light-years away in the Milky Way. Visible just below the "belt" in the Orion constellation, this nebula is a rich field for young stars. Chandra's X-rays, coloured in red, green, and blue, highlight the young stars, while Webb's infrared imaging in darker red captures the gas and dust that will form future stars.

NGC 3627: A Barred Spiral Galaxy

Leaving our galaxy, we arrive at NGC 3627, a barred spiral galaxy similar to the Milky Way. Seen at a slight angle, this galaxy features a rectangular central region and distinct spiral arms. Chandra's purple X-rays indicate the presence of a supermassive black hole at its centre. Webb's infrared data in red, green, and blue, along with Hubble's optical data, reveal the galaxy's dust, gas, and stars.