James Webb Space Telescope reveals ‘fingerprint’ created by two stars

The orbit of the stars brings them together about once every eight years, and like the rings of a tree’s trunk, the dust loops mark the passage of time

Undated handout photo issued by NASA of a new image from the James Webb Space Telescope showing at least 17 dust rings resembling a fingerprint created by a rare type of star and its companion, locked in a celestial dance. Picture: NASA/PA Wire

A new image from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) shows at least 17 dust rings – resembling a fingerprint – created by a rare type of star and its companion, locked in a celestial dance.

Sitting more than 5,000 light years from Earth, the duo is collectively known as Wolf-Rayet 140 (WR 140).