S106

2000 light-years

This infrared image shows the star-forming region S106. Its hourglass appearance is thought to be a result of the way material flows from the central, massive star, which is approximately 100 000 years old. This in-depth view of S106 also reveals objects of very low mass, too small to sustain the nuclear burning of hydrogen gas that causes a normal star to shine.

Credit: Subaru Telescope, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan.