A star is born
Star formation continues to drive the activity of the Milky Way galaxy and
provides astronomers with magnificent views such as this one. This particular
region, called Gum 26, is located 20,000 light years from Earth in the southern
constellation of Vela (the Sails). The bright blue-white spots you can see dotted
across the image are actually massive, young stars – much larger and hotter than
the Sun. They illuminate the surrounding hydrogen gas, which lends the region its
pinkish hue.
© ESO
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