Webb Space Telescope Reveals Moment of Stellar Birth, Dramatic Close-Up of 50 Baby Stars

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope displays a star birth like it’s never been seen before, full of detailed, impressionistic texture, in an image released on July 12, 2023. NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI/Klaus Pon via AP

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.—The Webb Space Telescope is marking one year of cosmic photographs with one of its best yet: the dramatic close-up of dozens of stars at the moment of birth.

NASA unveiled the latest snapshot Wednesday, revealing 50 baby stars in a cloud complex 390 light-years away. A light-year is nearly 6 trillion miles (9.7 trillion kilometers.)