NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has revealed numerous protostars and stars formerly hidden by clouds of dust in a stellar nursery known as NGC 7129, which lies about 3,300 light-years from Earth, the agency said in an image article published Oct. 20, 2026. The image itself was released on Oct. 6, 2026.

According to NASA, hot atomic hydrogen gas appears in the golden region of the image, while cooler molecular hydrogen gas, shocked by embedded protostars, is shown in red. The agency described the scene as a cauldron of cosmic creation.

The image was credited to NASA, ESA, CSA and STScI, with image processing by Alyssa Pagan of STScI. NASA said further information about the region is available through an interactive experience.