Just in time for the release of "Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens," the NASA/European Space Agency (ESA) Hubble Space Telescope captured a cosmic double-bladed lightsaber slicing through space, with its center partially blurred by a cloak of dust resembling that of a Jedi's, according to Phys.org.
The unique celestial lightsaber lies within the Milky Way in the turbulent Orion B molecular cloud complex, located over 1,350 light-years away in the Orion constellation. The twin jets of material stem from a newly formed star, which is obscured from view, and bear a striking resemblance to Darth Maul's double-bladed lightsaber in "Star Wars Episode One."
The star forms a part of HH 24, a Herbig-Haro (HH) object, which is located inside a part of the Orion B complex with a high level of activity and star formation, according to Discovery News. At the center of HH 24 is a newly formed star and a spiraling disk of hot material.
What is the science behind this unique cosmic lightsaber? The energy that fuels these jets is the star's powerful magnetic field, which creates shockwaves as it blasts into outerspace. These waves are what create the clumps of nebulousity in the jets, which are key characteristics of HH objects.
Coinciding with the release of the new "Star Wars" movie, the ESA has not pulled any punches in terms of references.
"The Force is strong with these twin jets; their effect on their environment demonstrates the true power of the Dark Side with a blast stronger than one from a fully armed and operational Death Star battle station," the press release reads.
