CNN —A cosmic object in the shape of a glowing question mark has photobombed one of the latest images captured by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope — and scientists think they know what it might be.
The two have been observed and studied by space and ground-based telescopes since the 1950s, but the highly sensitive Webb telescope allowed for the highest-resolution and most detailed image yet.
NASA/ESA/CSA/Joseph DePasquale (STScI)The Webb telescope illuminates information about the origins of our universe, but the appearance of this mysterious object in the background of this image leaves more questions than answers.
The cosmic question mark hasn’t been closely observed or studied, so scientists aren’t exactly sure about the object’s origins and makeup.
The question mark shape could also be “indicative of a merger where these two galaxies are interacting gravitationally,” Britt said.
Persons:
NASA’s James Webb, Joseph DePasquale, ”, Matt Caplan, Caplan, it’s, Christopher Britt, Webb, ” Britt, Britt, ” Caplan, —, “ Nobody’s, George Washington, ’ ” Caplan
Organizations:
CNN, NASA, ESA, CSA, Illinois State University, “, Telescope Science Institute
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