Star Formation in the “Cosmic Cliffs”

The Cosmic Cliffs in star cluster NGC 3324 have long intrigued astronomers as a hotbed for star formation. While studied by Hubble, details were hidden since it could only view visible light. Webb's infrared eyes unveil previously unseen jet and outflow details, in this active stellar nursery.  Analysis revealed two dozen previously unknown molecular hydrogen outflows from extremely young stars, ranging from small fountains to light-year long behemoths. Many of these protostars will eventually become low mass stars like our Sun. Comparing changes in outflow speed and direction over 16 years, between current Webb observations and archival Hubble data, reveals this nebula's rapid activity.