An innovative breakthrough in the realm of astrophysics has emerged, as an international research team, spearheaded by experts from the Technion Faculty of Physics, successfully conducted a pioneering measurement of cosmic rays originating from the core of the galactic nebula known as Barnard 68. This monumental achievement, derived from advanced observations utilizing the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), will fundamentally reshape our understanding of cosmic rays and their pivotal role in the mechanisms of star formation within the galaxy. The results of this groundbreaking study were recently published, shedding light on the motions of particles that far exceed the speed of light and highlighting their effects on the elemental building blocks of stars.
Cosmic rays, despite their nomenclature, are not waves of electromagnetic radiation; rather, they comprise high-energy particles, including protons, electrons, and atomic nuclei, that pervade the vast expanses of galactic space. These particles travel at astonishing velocities, providing a significant and influential component of the universe’s dynamics. Their influence on star formation processes is particularly noteworthy, as they interact with clouds of gas and dust in which stars emerge. Through gravitational collapse, these materials can be coaxed into the birth of new stars, while cosmic rays—by penetrating deeply into nebulae—can heat the gases within them, effectively delaying this collapse and thereby regulating the formation process.
Tracing the origin of cosmic rays, one finds their discovery dating back over a century to Victor Hess’s iconic balloon experiment, which unveiled these enigmatic particles to the scientific community. In contemporary science, invaluable data has been amassed from both the International Space Station and their Voyagers 1 and 2 spacecraft, enabling researchers to scrutinize cosmic rays in proximity to the Solar System. Nevertheless, a key aspect of astrophysics remained elusive: a comprehensive understanding of cosmic-ray properties throughout the galaxy, particularly within the confines of star-forming nebulae. Considering the implications of this knowledge, it represents one of the foremost unresolved inquiries embroiling modern astrophysics.
This transformative study marks a significant leap in resolving these queries, as led by Dr. Shmuel Bialy from the Technion, the research team achieved a momentous milestone—the direct measurement of cosmic-ray activity within a galactic nebula. Dr. Bialy expounded on the phenomenon, stating that when cosmic rays infiltrate a nebula, they excite hydrogen molecules, resulting in the emission of infrared radiation characterized by a specific frequency of about 100 terahertz. This unique infrared signal serves as a fingerprint for the interactions between cosmic rays and hydrogen present within the nebula, enabling detailed analysis of the underlying processes at play.
The research team undertook meticulous planning and execution of observations leveraging the advanced capabilities of the JWST to capture this fascinating radiation emanating from Barnard 68. This particular nebula is located 400 light-years from Earth in the constellation Ophiuchus and is defined by its cold, dense composition, with temperatures lingering around 10-20 Kelvin—just above absolute zero. With an estimated diameter of one-third of a light-year and a mass amounting to twice that of the Sun, Barnard 68 is undergoing a gradual evolution, set to collapse and eventually give birth to a new star over the course of approximately 200,000 years.
In their pursuit of elusive signals, the researchers were met with significant success. The observations conducted revealed results that not only aligned seamlessly with the predictions made by their theoretical model but also contradicted alternative explanations. Amit Chemke, a master’s student in Dr. Bialy’s group and a co-author of the study, remarked on the clarity of this connection, stating that the data provided unequivocal evidence confirming the presence of cosmic rays. This level of precision underlines the JSWT’s potential in astrophysical research, further affirming its status as a powerful investigative tool.
Additionally, the implications of this study extend beyond theoretical confirmation; the research also signifies a historical first in the detection of photons resulting from cosmic-ray-excited H₂. Professor David Neufeld, a distinguished faculty member in physics and astronomy at Johns Hopkins University and contributor to the study, added that the JWST has markedly expanded the horizons of cosmic-ray astrophysics, opening unparalleled avenues for exploration within this specialized field.
As the research landscape evolves, Dr. Bialy audibly reflects on the overarching significance of this work, noting the long-standing skepticism that permeated his initial proposals. The JWST’s capabilities have dramatically altered the prospects for research in this area, leading to the exciting prospect of further investigations. In response to these promising developments, NASA has generously allocated an additional 50 hours of observation time for the telescope, allowing researchers to broaden their cosmic-ray mapping across a variety of galactic environments. This initiative grants researchers a previously unimaginable opportunity to study nebulae, now conceptualized as immense natural particle detectors, bringing forth copious data valuable for understanding cosmic ray propagation across galaxies.
The study’s outcomes pave the way for an extensive and systematic exploration into the mechanics of cosmic rays and their profound influence on star formation, a fundamental component of cosmic evolution. As the scientific community contemplates the potential revelations that lie ahead, the foundational work of Dr. Bialy and his team undoubtedly represents a crucial step toward demystifying the intricate interplay between cosmic rays and the birth of stars, ushering in a new era of understanding within the expansive universe.
This research was made possible through the collaborative support from the Technion, the Israel Science Foundation, and the German-Israeli Foundation for Scientific Research and Development, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in the pursuit of scientific advancement.
Subject of Research: Cosmic-ray activity in galactic nebulae
Article Title: Direct detection of cosmic-ray-excited H₂ in interstellar space
News Publication Date: 3-Feb-2026
Web References: DOI link
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Keywords
Cosmic rays, star formation, Barnard 68, James Webb Space Telescope, astrophysics, cosmic-ray excitation, hydrogen molecules.
