Since the discovery of the "Pillars of Creation," what changes have occurred within them and the surrounding area?

The Hubble Space Telescope’s iconic image of the Eagle Nebula’s “Pillars of Creation” heralded the instrument’s rebirth in 1995 and showed the public just how incredible astrophotography could be above Earth’s atmosphere. “No one imagined a reaction that would turn the image into a cultural icon,” Astronomy Contributing Editor Jeff Hester — who actually took the photo — said in April’s Hubble commemorative issue. The image has graced everything from U.S. postage stamps to classroom posters.

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