It is clear to everyone that astronomy at all events compels the soul to look upwards, and draws it from the things of this world to the other.

— Plato

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NASA’s Hubble and Webb Telescopes Reveal Two Faces of a Star Cluster Duo

NASA News - Mon, 07/07/2025 - 10:58am
Explore Hubble

3 min read

NASA’s Hubble and Webb Telescopes Reveal Two Faces of a Star Cluster Duo A vast network of stars, gas, and dust is strung among a duo of star clusters in this combined image from NASA’s Hubble and Webb space telescopes. Open clusters NGC 460 and NGC 456 reside in the Small Magellanic Cloud, a dwarf galaxy orbiting the Milky Way. This highly detailed 527 megapixel mosaic consists of 12 overlapping observations and includes both visible and infrared wavelengths. To view some of its incredible detail, download the 40.1 MB file and zoom in. NASA, ESA, and C. Lindberg (The Johns Hopkins University); Processing: Gladys Kober (NASA/Catholic University of America)
Download this image

A riotous expanse of gas, dust, and stars stake out the dazzling territory of a duo of star clusters in this combined image from NASA’s Hubble and Webb space telescopes.

Open clusters NGC 460 and NGC 456 reside in the Small Magellanic Cloud, a dwarf galaxy orbiting the Milky Way. Open clusters consist of anywhere from a few dozen to a few thousand young stars loosely bound together by gravity. These particular clusters are part of an extensive complex of star clusters and nebulae that are likely linked to one another. As clouds of gas collapse, stars are born. These young, hot stars expel intense stellar winds that shape the nebulae around them, carving out the clouds and triggering other collapses, which in turn give rise to more stars.

In these images, Hubble’s view captures the glowing, ionized gas as stellar radiation blows “bubbles” in the clouds of gas and dust (blue), while Webb’s infrared vision highlights the clumps and delicate filamentary structures of dust (red). In Hubble images, dust is often seen silhouetted against and blocking light, but in Webb’s view, the dust – warmed by starlight – shines with its own infrared glow. This mixture of gas and dust between the universe’s stars is known as the interstellar medium.




Hubble (ACS) Webb (NIRCAM)

This Hubble image shows a duo of open clusters, NGC 460 and NGC 456. The nebulae’s glowing gas, ionized by the radiation of nearby stars, is distinct in Hubble’s view. NASA, ESA, and C. Lindberg (The Johns Hopkins University); Processing: Gladys Kober (NASA/Catholic University of America)

In Webb’s infrared view of open clusters NGC 460 and NGC 456, dusty areas are visible as bright structures glowing red. Many background galaxies are visible, their infrared light passing through the region’s obscuring clouds of gas and dust. NASA, ESA, and C. Lindberg (The Johns Hopkins University); Processing: Gladys Kober (NASA/Catholic University of America) Hubble (ACS)Webb (NIRCAM)

This Hubble image shows a duo of open clusters, NGC 460 and NGC 456. The nebulae’s glowing gas, ionized by the radiation of nearby stars, is distinct in Hubble’s view. NASA, ESA, and C. Lindberg (The Johns Hopkins University); Processing: Gladys Kober (NASA/Catholic University of America)

In Webb’s infrared view of open clusters NGC 460 and NGC 456, dusty areas are visible as bright structures glowing red. Many background galaxies are visible, their infrared light passing through the region’s obscuring clouds of gas and dust. NASA, ESA, and C. Lindberg (The Johns Hopkins University); Processing: Gladys Kober (NASA/Catholic University of America)


Hubble (ACS)
Webb (NIRCAM)

Hubble and Webb view a duo of open star clusters


CurtainToggle2-Up

Image Details

Slide to switch between Hubble and Web images. Hubble’s view captures visible light and some infrared wavelengths, while Webb’s view is exclusively infrared. The nebulae’s glowing gas, ionized by the radiation of nearby stars, is distinct in Hubble’s view. Dusty areas that appear dark in the Hubble image are visible as bright structures in the Webb image, and more background galaxies are visible since infrared light from fainter and farther galaxies can pass through the obscuring clouds of gas and dust.

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Hubble

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(47 MB)


Webb

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(35 MB)


The nodules visible in these images are scenes of active star formation, with stars ranging from just one to 10 million years old. In contrast, our Sun is 4.5 billion years old. The region that holds these clusters, known as the N83-84-85 complex, is home to multiple, rare O-type stars, hot and extremely massive stars that burn hydrogen like our Sun. Astronomers estimate there are only around 20,000 O-type stars among the approximately 400 billion stars in the Milky Way.

Clouds of ionized gas dominate open cluster NGC 460 in the Hubble image (left), while tendrils of dust are on display in the Webb image (right). Together, the two images provide a more comprehensive look at the region. NASA, ESA, and C. Lindberg (The Johns Hopkins University); Processing: Gladys Kober (NASA/Catholic University of America) The Hubble image of NGC 456 (left) shows a puffy, bluish cloud of ionized gas, while the Webb image (right) displays the same cluster’s cavern-like outline of dust. NASA, ESA, and C. Lindberg (The Johns Hopkins University); Processing: Gladys Kober (NASA/Catholic University of America)

The Small Magellanic Cloud is of great interest to researchers because it is less enriched in metals than the Milky Way. Astronomers call all elements heavier than hydrogen and helium – that is, with more than two protons in the atom’s nucleus – “metals.”  This state mimics conditions in the early universe, so the Small Magellanic Cloud provides a relatively nearby laboratory to explore theories about star formation and the interstellar medium at early stages of cosmic history. With these observations of NGC 460 and NGC 456, researchers intend to study how gas flows in the region converge or divide; refine the collision history between the Small Magellanic Cloud and its fellow dwarf galaxy, the Large Magellanic Cloud; examine how bursts of star formation occur in such gravitational interactions between galaxies; and better understand the interstellar medium.

Explore More
Hubble’s Star Clusters


Exploring the Birth of Stars


Hubble’s Nebulae

Facebook logo @NASAHubble

@NASAHubble

Instagram logo @NASAHubble

Media Contact:

Claire Andreoli
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight CenterGreenbelt, MD
claire.andreoli@nasa.gov

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Details

Last Updated

Jul 07, 2025

Editor Andrea Gianopoulos Location NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

Related Terms Keep Exploring Discover More Topics From Hubble

Hubble Space Telescope

Since its 1990 launch, the Hubble Space Telescope has changed our fundamental understanding of the universe.


Hubble’s Cosmic Adventure


Hubble’s Night Sky Challenge


Hubble’s 35th Anniversary

Categories: NASA

NASA’s Hubble and Webb Telescopes Reveal Two Faces of a Star Cluster Duo

NASA - Breaking News - Mon, 07/07/2025 - 10:58am
Explore Hubble

3 min read

NASA’s Hubble and Webb Telescopes Reveal Two Faces of a Star Cluster Duo A vast network of stars, gas, and dust is strung among a duo of star clusters in this combined image from NASA’s Hubble and Webb space telescopes. Open clusters NGC 460 and NGC 456 reside in the Small Magellanic Cloud, a dwarf galaxy orbiting the Milky Way. This highly detailed 527 megapixel mosaic consists of 12 overlapping observations and includes both visible and infrared wavelengths. To view some of its incredible detail, download the 40.1 MB file and zoom in. NASA, ESA, and C. Lindberg (The Johns Hopkins University); Processing: Gladys Kober (NASA/Catholic University of America)
Download this image

A riotous expanse of gas, dust, and stars stake out the dazzling territory of a duo of star clusters in this combined image from NASA’s Hubble and Webb space telescopes.

Open clusters NGC 460 and NGC 456 reside in the Small Magellanic Cloud, a dwarf galaxy orbiting the Milky Way. Open clusters consist of anywhere from a few dozen to a few thousand young stars loosely bound together by gravity. These particular clusters are part of an extensive complex of star clusters and nebulae that are likely linked to one another. As clouds of gas collapse, stars are born. These young, hot stars expel intense stellar winds that shape the nebulae around them, carving out the clouds and triggering other collapses, which in turn give rise to more stars.

In these images, Hubble’s view captures the glowing, ionized gas as stellar radiation blows “bubbles” in the clouds of gas and dust (blue), while Webb’s infrared vision highlights the clumps and delicate filamentary structures of dust (red). In Hubble images, dust is often seen silhouetted against and blocking light, but in Webb’s view, the dust – warmed by starlight – shines with its own infrared glow. This mixture of gas and dust between the universe’s stars is known as the interstellar medium.




Hubble (ACS) Webb (NIRCAM)

This Hubble image shows a duo of open clusters, NGC 460 and NGC 456. The nebulae’s glowing gas, ionized by the radiation of nearby stars, is distinct in Hubble’s view. NASA, ESA, and C. Lindberg (The Johns Hopkins University); Processing: Gladys Kober (NASA/Catholic University of America)

In Webb’s infrared view of open clusters NGC 460 and NGC 456, dusty areas are visible as bright structures glowing red. Many background galaxies are visible, their infrared light passing through the region’s obscuring clouds of gas and dust. NASA, ESA, and C. Lindberg (The Johns Hopkins University); Processing: Gladys Kober (NASA/Catholic University of America) Hubble (ACS)Webb (NIRCAM)

This Hubble image shows a duo of open clusters, NGC 460 and NGC 456. The nebulae’s glowing gas, ionized by the radiation of nearby stars, is distinct in Hubble’s view. NASA, ESA, and C. Lindberg (The Johns Hopkins University); Processing: Gladys Kober (NASA/Catholic University of America)

In Webb’s infrared view of open clusters NGC 460 and NGC 456, dusty areas are visible as bright structures glowing red. Many background galaxies are visible, their infrared light passing through the region’s obscuring clouds of gas and dust. NASA, ESA, and C. Lindberg (The Johns Hopkins University); Processing: Gladys Kober (NASA/Catholic University of America)


Hubble (ACS)
Webb (NIRCAM)

Hubble and Webb view a duo of open star clusters


CurtainToggle2-Up

Image Details

Slide to switch between Hubble and Web images. Hubble’s view captures visible light and some infrared wavelengths, while Webb’s view is exclusively infrared. The nebulae’s glowing gas, ionized by the radiation of nearby stars, is distinct in Hubble’s view. Dusty areas that appear dark in the Hubble image are visible as bright structures in the Webb image, and more background galaxies are visible since infrared light from fainter and farther galaxies can pass through the obscuring clouds of gas and dust.

Downloads

Hubble

JPEG

(47 MB)


Webb

JPEG

(35 MB)


The nodules visible in these images are scenes of active star formation, with stars ranging from just one to 10 million years old. In contrast, our Sun is 4.5 billion years old. The region that holds these clusters, known as the N83-84-85 complex, is home to multiple, rare O-type stars, hot and extremely massive stars that burn hydrogen like our Sun. Astronomers estimate there are only around 20,000 O-type stars among the approximately 400 billion stars in the Milky Way.

Clouds of ionized gas dominate open cluster NGC 460 in the Hubble image (left), while tendrils of dust are on display in the Webb image (right). Together, the two images provide a more comprehensive look at the region. NASA, ESA, and C. Lindberg (The Johns Hopkins University); Processing: Gladys Kober (NASA/Catholic University of America) The Hubble image of NGC 456 (left) shows a puffy, bluish cloud of ionized gas, while the Webb image (right) displays the same cluster’s cavern-like outline of dust. NASA, ESA, and C. Lindberg (The Johns Hopkins University); Processing: Gladys Kober (NASA/Catholic University of America)

The Small Magellanic Cloud is of great interest to researchers because it is less enriched in metals than the Milky Way. Astronomers call all elements heavier than hydrogen and helium – that is, with more than two protons in the atom’s nucleus – “metals.”  This state mimics conditions in the early universe, so the Small Magellanic Cloud provides a relatively nearby laboratory to explore theories about star formation and the interstellar medium at early stages of cosmic history. With these observations of NGC 460 and NGC 456, researchers intend to study how gas flows in the region converge or divide; refine the collision history between the Small Magellanic Cloud and its fellow dwarf galaxy, the Large Magellanic Cloud; examine how bursts of star formation occur in such gravitational interactions between galaxies; and better understand the interstellar medium.

Explore More
Hubble’s Star Clusters


Exploring the Birth of Stars


Hubble’s Nebulae

Facebook logo @NASAHubble

@NASAHubble

Instagram logo @NASAHubble

Media Contact:

Claire Andreoli
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight CenterGreenbelt, MD
claire.andreoli@nasa.gov

Share

Details

Last Updated

Jul 07, 2025

Editor Andrea Gianopoulos Location NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

Related Terms Keep Exploring Discover More Topics From Hubble

Hubble Space Telescope

Since its 1990 launch, the Hubble Space Telescope has changed our fundamental understanding of the universe.


Hubble’s Cosmic Adventure


Hubble’s Night Sky Challenge


Hubble’s 35th Anniversary

Categories: NASA

One of our favorite Canon cameras is the cheapest at Walmart today. Not only that, it's the lowest price we've seen!

Space.com - Mon, 07/07/2025 - 10:52am
The Canon EOS R7 is currently priced under $1300. Save over $200 ahead of Prime Day.
Categories: Astronomy

Don't fall for this Prime Day pricing trick — Take our advice to get the biggest savings

Space.com - Mon, 07/07/2025 - 10:22am
Want more money in your pocket? Rely on us to seek the deals out for you — our expert team can save you hundreds of dollars.
Categories: Astronomy

See asteroid Donaldjohanson up close thanks to NASA's Lucy mission | Space photo of the day for July 7, 2025

Space.com - Mon, 07/07/2025 - 10:17am
On April 20th, NASA's Lucy was in the sky, not with diamonds, but with an asteroid.
Categories: Astronomy

The Vera C. Rubin Observatory will help astronomers investigate dark matter, continuing the legacy of its pioneering namesake

Space.com - Mon, 07/07/2025 - 10:00am
Dark matter makes up 85% of the universe, but researchers, including Vera Rubin herself, historically have had a hard time finding it.
Categories: Astronomy

July full moon 2025 rises this week: Here's what to expect from the 'Buck Moon'

Space.com - Mon, 07/07/2025 - 9:53am
July’s full 'Buck Moon' rises close to aphelion, making it the furthest full moon from the sun in 2025.
Categories: Astronomy

ChatGPT could pilot a spacecraft unexpectedly well, early tests find

Space.com - Mon, 07/07/2025 - 9:00am
In a recent contest, teams of researchers competed to see who could train an AI model to best pilot a spaceship. The results suggest that an era of autonomous space exploration may be closer than we think.
Categories: Astronomy

Vapour-sniffing drug detector tested at the US-Mexico border

New Scientist Space - Cosmology - Mon, 07/07/2025 - 8:00am
Drugs and explosive chemicals are difficult to detect, but a device more sensitive than a dog’s nose can pick up their traces in seconds
Categories: Astronomy

Vapour-sniffing drug detector tested at the US-Mexico border

New Scientist Space - Space Headlines - Mon, 07/07/2025 - 8:00am
Drugs and explosive chemicals are difficult to detect, but a device more sensitive than a dog’s nose can pick up their traces in seconds
Categories: Astronomy

US government tests new vapour-sniffing drug detector at the border

New Scientist Space - Space Headlines - Mon, 07/07/2025 - 8:00am
Drugs and explosive chemicals are difficult to detect, but a device more sensitive than a dog’s nose can pick up their traces in seconds
Categories: Astronomy

Pulsing Magma in Earth’s Mantle Drives Tectonic Plates Tearing Africa Apart

Scientific American.com - Mon, 07/07/2025 - 6:30am

Chemical fingerprints from volcanic rock offer hints of what’s happening in the mantle below the area where three rift zones meet in East Africa

Categories: Astronomy

New interstellar object 3I/ATLAS: Everything we know about the rare cosmic visitor

Space.com - Mon, 07/07/2025 - 6:15am
How do we know 3I/ATLAS, also called comet C/2025 N1 (ATLAS), is interstellar? Will it strike Earth? Can we visit it? Here are all of your questions answered.
Categories: Astronomy

AI could be about to completely change the way we do mathematics

New Scientist Space - Cosmology - Mon, 07/07/2025 - 6:00am
Computers can help ensure that mathematical proofs are correct, but translating traditional maths into a machine-readable format is an arduous task. Now, the latest generation of artificial intelligence models is taking on the job, and could change the face of maths research
Categories: Astronomy

AI could be about to completely change the way we do mathematics

New Scientist Space - Space Headlines - Mon, 07/07/2025 - 6:00am
Computers can help ensure that mathematical proofs are correct, but translating traditional maths into a machine-readable format is an arduous task. Now, the latest generation of artificial intelligence models is taking on the job, and could change the face of maths research
Categories: Astronomy

Astronaut Matthew Dominick Speaks to Scientific American, Live from the International Space Station

Scientific American.com - Mon, 07/07/2025 - 6:00am

We spoke with NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick in an exclusive, first-ever interview from the cupola of the International Space Station.

Categories: Astronomy

Aaisha Ali: From Marine Biology to the Artemis Control Room 

NASA - Breaking News - Mon, 07/07/2025 - 6:00am

As humanity prepares to return to the lunar surface, Aaisha Ali is behind the scenes ensuring mission readiness for astronauts set to orbit the Moon during Artemis II. 

Ali is the Artemis ground control flight lead at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. She makes sure her team has the resources needed for the next giant leap to the Moon and beyond. 

Aaisha Ali on console in the International Space Station Flight Control Room at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. NASA/Robert Markowitz My passion has always been science. I started by exploring the ocean, and now I get to help explore the stars.

Aaisha Ali

Artemis Ground Control Flight Lead

Ali received a bachelor’s degree in biology from Texas A&M University at Galveston before beginning a career as a marine biologist. Her curiosity about science and communication eventually led her from studying marine life to sharing NASA’s mission with the public. With a robust skill set that includes public relations, media relations, and strategic communications, she went on to work at Space Center Houston and later at Johnson on the protocol and digital imagery teams.

Today, Ali leads the ground control team supporting Artemis II, ensuring that systems, simulations, and procedures are ready for the mission. Her role includes developing flight rules, finalizing operations plans and leading training sessions – known as “network sims” – that prepare her team to respond quickly and effectively. 

“Because I’ve had a multifaceted career path, it has given me a different outlook,” she said. “Diversity of mindsets helps us approach problems. Sometimes a different angle is exactly what we need.” 

Aaisha Ali, right, with her two siblings.

Her perspective was also shaped by visits to her grandmother in the Caribbean as a child. “She lived in the tropical forest in a small village in Trinidad,” Ali said. “I was fortunate enough to spend summers on the island and experience a different way of life, which has helped me grow into the person I am today.”  

Communication, she explained, is just as critical as technical expertise. “When we report to the flight director, we are the experts in our system. But we have to be clear and concise. You don’t get a lot of time on the flight loop to explain.” 

That clarity, humility, and sense of teamwork are values Ali says have shaped her journey. 

Aaisha Ali participates in a public affairs event at Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base in Houston in 2005. We don’t do it by ourselves. Everyone — from our engineers to custodial staff to cafeteria workers — plays a role in getting us to the Moon. NASA is for the world. And it takes all of us.

Aaisha ali

Artemis Ground Control Flight Lead

Looking ahead, Ali is especially passionate about inspiring the Artemis Generation — those who will one day explore the Moon and Mars. She often shares advice with her nieces and nephews, including one determined nephew who has dreamed of becoming an astronaut since age 7. 

“Do what you love, and NASA will find a place for you,” she said. “NASA is a big place. If you love the law, we have lawyers. If you love art, science, or technology, there’s a place for you. Passion is what we’re looking for.” 

Aaisha Ali at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

In her free time, Ali enjoys photography and connecting with nature by camping and visiting national parks. She also loves planning trips to Walt Disney World, meeting new people, experiencing different cultures, and learning new things. 

Even as her days are packed with simulations and mission prep, Ali knows landing astronauts on the lunar surface for Artemis III is not far behind. 

“There’s a lot of uphill left to climb,” she said. “But we’re ready.” 

Explore More 4 min read Going the Distance: Lisa Pace Leads Exploration Development Integration at Johnson Article 1 week ago 5 min read Heather Cowardin Safeguards the Future of Space Exploration   Article 2 weeks ago 4 min read I Am Artemis: Patrick Junen Article 2 weeks ago
Categories: NASA