Nasa's Hubble reveals birth of a Sun-like star in stunning detail - Times of India

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NEW DELHI: In a recent

celestial observation

,

Nasa

's

Hubble

Space Telescope has captured a striking image showcasing the early development stages of a

sun-like star

. The image presents a vibrant trio of stars set against the backdrop of a reflection nebula, resembling a cosmic geode sparkling in the vastness of space.

Central to this breathtaking view is HP Tau, a

T Tauri star

, which is still in its formative years, not yet engaging in the process of nuclear fusion.

Accompanying HP Tau are two other stars, HP Tau G2 and HP Tau G3, making up a triple-star system. T Tauri stars like HP Tau are particularly notable for their youth, generally being less than 10 million years old, a stark contrast to our 4.6 billion-year-old Sun.

These young stars are typically enveloped in the remnants of the nebulous material they were formed from, offering astronomers a rare glimpse into the dynamic processes of

star birth

and evolution. The reflection nebula surrounding these stars enhances the luminosity of the scene, as it mirrors the light from the stars, creating a spectacular visual effect.

The significance of this image extends beyond its visual appeal, providing scientists with critical data about the conditions and processes that lead to the formation of stars similar to our Sun. Such observations are key to understanding our own solar system's origins and the broader mechanisms governing stellar evolution across the universe.

Through the lens of the Hubble Space Telescope, astronomers continue to explore these nascent formations, uncovering the secrets of the cosmos with unprecedented clarity and depth. This latest snapshot from Hubble not only adds to our understanding of the universe but also captivates the imagination with its depiction of the early stages of a star's life, shining light on the perpetual cycle of stellar birth and destruction that drives the cosmic engine.