A stunning infrared image mosaic of the young star cluster RCW38 in the Vela constellation. Hidden by dust in visible light, the cluster reveals itself in infrared, showcasing bright blue stars, glowing gas clouds, and dramatic dark dust lanes. This 10 light-year-wide region is located approximately 5500 light-years from Earth.

Astronomy Picture from 17/07/2002

Star-Forming Region RCW38 from 2MASS

Source: https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap020717.html


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