BTS look at star formation

This breathtaking image from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope shows a relatively close star-forming region known as IRAS 16562-3959. The stellar nursery lies within the Milky Way about 5,900 light-years from Earth in the constellation Scorpius

At the heart of IRAS 16562-3959, lies a massive star - about 30 times the mass of our Sun - that is still in the process of forming. The shadowy clouds appear dark because there is so much light-obscuring dust blocking the near-infrared wavelengths of light Hubble observed.

On the other hand, the near-infrared light manages to escape through two main channels – to the upper left and lower right of the image. This was made possible by a powerful jet emitted by the massive protostar.

Hubble's ability to probe the depths of space and reveal the processes behind star formation in such stunning detail continues to enhance our understanding of the cosmos.

"Multi-wavelength images like this incredible Hubble scene help us gain a better understanding of how the most massive, brightest stars in our galaxy form," NASA wrote in a post.

A behind-the-scenes look at star formation! 🎬This #HubbleFriday view shows IRAS 16562-3959, where a massive star about 30 times the mass of our Sun is in the process of forming.This star nursery is relatively close, at 5,900 light-years away: https://t.co/VaPhwnmFWd pic.twitter.com/mx2sW8nHD6

— Hubble (@NASAHubble) February 16, 2024