The James Webb Space Telescope shows the aftermath of a supernova

The James Webb Space Telescope allows humanity to see all kinds of phenomena in our universe. Recently, the scientific instrument has focused its lens on Uranus, for example, and on a star’s final moments. NASA has now published images that show the consequences of such a supernova.

Cassiopeia A is the name of a supernova remnant in the constellation of the same name. The explosion of its star was about 340 years ago – at least from Earth’s perspective.

The scene is about 11,000 light-years from Earth. By the way, Cassiopeia A is the youngest known supernova remnant of a massive star in our galaxy, writes “NASA”.

The researchers are clearly happy with the new recordings. “Cassiopeia A gives us the best opportunity to look into the debris field of an exploding star,” Danny Milisavljevic, the project’s principal investigator, tells the space agency.

“If we understand the process behind the explosion of stars, we also understand the history of our formation,” the researcher continues. Supernovae like Cassiopeia A are essential for the emergence of life. They release elements such as calcium and iron. This is how new generations of stars and planets are formed.