Webb image archive

First Stars: Ionization

Ultraviolet light is a type of ionizing radiation. It has the ability to separate electrons from atomic nuclei, converting neutral atoms into charged particles called ions. UV lig...

Date
Dec 13, 2023
Observatory
James Webb Space Telescope
Credit
NASA / ESA / CSA / STScI
Archive ID
4357

Ultraviolet light is a type of ionizing radiation. It has the ability to separate electrons from atomic nuclei, converting neutral atoms into charged particles called ions. UV light from the first stars was absorbed by hydrogen atoms, causing them to be ionized.

Credits

STScI

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