Image: The Giant Nebula, NGC 3603
Image Credit: NASA, ESA, and the Hubble Heritage
(PhysOrg.com) -- Thousands of sparkling young stars nestled within the giant nebula NGC 3603.
This stellar "jewel box" is one of the most massive young star clusters in the Milky Way Galaxy.
NGC 3603 is a prominent star-forming region in the Carina spiral arm of the Milky Way, about 20,000 light-years away.
This image shows a young star cluster surrounded by a vast region of dust and gas.
The image reveals stages in the life cycle of stars. The nebula was first discovered by Sir John Herschel in 1834.
The image spans roughly 17 light-years.
Provided by
JPL/NASA
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Of course, this "supernova clearing" is still under way in clusters like NGC 3603. One notable candidate in this cluster, Sher 25, bears all the precursory hallmarks of another recent supernova, SN 1987A, and may itself soon reach a critical juncture: http://arxiv.org/...38v1.pdf
When such an event might happen is an open question (and yes, it is at a safe distance from us, so we can safely enjoy the fireworks).