The Star Cluster Westerlund 2: Close-up View | Hubble

The Star Cluster Westerlund 2: Close-up View | Hubble

Westerlund 2 is a giant cluster of about 3,000 stars located 20,000 light-years away in the constellation Carina. This image shows the sparkling centerpiece of Hubble's 25th anniversary tribute in 2015. 

Hubble's near-infrared imaging camera pierces through the dusty veil enshrouding the stellar nursery, giving astronomers a clear view of the dense concentration of stars in the central cluster.

Credit: NASA, ESA, the Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA), A. Nota (ESA/STScI), and the Westerlund 2 Science Team

Release Date: April 23, 2015

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