‘Images taken with the [Spitzer Space Telescope](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spitzer_Space_Telescope) uncovered a cloud of dust in the vicinity of the Pillars of Creation that hypothetically could be a [shock wave](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shock_wave) produced by a [supernova](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supernova). The appearance of the cloud suggests the supernova shockwave would have destroyed the Pillars of Creation 6,000 years ago. Given the distance of roughly 7,000 light-years between Earth and the Pillars of Creation, this would mean that they have actually already been destroyed, but because [light travels at a finite speed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speed_of_light), this destruction should be visible from Earth in about 1,000 years.’
…which means that, in the history of humanity, we are very fortunate to have these images!
2ndpointofview on
Thanks for this. The Pillars of Creation has always humbled me, but oh boy, the James Webb pic:
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Fantastic – Incredible – Amazing – InterestingAF
from the [Wiki](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pillars_of_Creation) article:
‘Images taken with the [Spitzer Space Telescope](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spitzer_Space_Telescope) uncovered a cloud of dust in the vicinity of the Pillars of Creation that hypothetically could be a [shock wave](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shock_wave) produced by a [supernova](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supernova). The appearance of the cloud suggests the supernova shockwave would have destroyed the Pillars of Creation 6,000 years ago. Given the distance of roughly 7,000 light-years between Earth and the Pillars of Creation, this would mean that they have actually already been destroyed, but because [light travels at a finite speed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speed_of_light), this destruction should be visible from Earth in about 1,000 years.’
…which means that, in the history of humanity, we are very fortunate to have these images!
Thanks for this. The Pillars of Creation has always humbled me, but oh boy, the James Webb pic:
[https://webbtelescope.org/contents/media/images/2022/052/01GF423GBQSK6ANC89NTFJW8VM](https://webbtelescope.org/contents/media/images/2022/052/01GF423GBQSK6ANC89NTFJW8VM)
Hubble also captured a fairly clear suggestion from the Keyhole Nebula: [https://improbable.com/news/2001/nov/friendship-finger.html?amp=1](https://improbable.com/news/2001/nov/friendship-finger.html?amp=1)