Hubble Observes the Birth of a Giant Star

This particular image, captured by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, is filled with vibrant colors and bustling activity. It showcases a star-forming region called IRAS 16562-3959, which is relatively close to us and resides within the Milky Way in the constellation Scorpius, approximately 5,900 light-years away.

The image is a composition of observations made by Hubble’s Wide Field Camera 3. Its remarkable range of colors is achieved through the use of four distinct filters. These filters, made of specialized materials, can be positioned in front of the instrument’s light sensors, allowing specific wavelengths of light to pass through during each observation. This capability is crucial as different wavelengths of light provide valuable information about the composition, temperature, and density of the region.

At the heart of the image, it is highly likely that IRAS 16562-3959 harbors a massive star that is still in the process of formation. This star is estimated to be around 30 times the mass of our sun. The surrounding clouds appear dark due to the presence of dust that obscures the near-infrared wavelengths of light observed by Hubble. However, some near-infrared light manages to escape, primarily on the upper left and lower right sides, where a powerful jet from the massive protostar has cleared away the dust. Images like this, captured across multiple wavelengths, provide invaluable insights into the formation of the most massive and brightest stars within our galaxy.

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