An infrared image of a star-forming region within W5 (IC 1848), showing towering, dusty pillars against a glowing cosmic background. The pillars appear as dense, reddish-brown structures illuminated by surrounding younger stars. These pillars are slowly eroding under the influence of stellar winds and radiation. The background glows in shades of yellow, orange, and blue, highlighting the energetic activity within this part of the nebula. The scene captures a region where new stars are actively forming.

📸 W5: Pillars of Star Formation
Infrared view of W5 shows star birth in towering cosmic pillars shaped by stellar winds.
📅 June 23, 2025
📷 Francesco Antonucci / NASA APOD
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