Transforming Our Understanding of Star Formation | James Webb Space Telescope

Transforming Our Understanding of Star Formation | James Webb Space Telescope

How are stars born? 

We have long known the fundamentals—stars form from collapsing clouds of gas and dust—and decades of research have shown more of the mechanics. Now, with the NASA/European Space Agency/Canadian Space Agency James Webb Space Telescope, astronomers are peering more deeply into star-forming regions than ever before to reveal the nuances of the processes.

Since its science operations began in 2022, Webb has “supercharged” discoveries about star formation with its high-resolution images and data. The telescope’s near-infrared observations can pierce through dust, uncovering the properties of actively forming stars far more clearly. Webb’s mid-infrared observations complement this by detecting a lot more of the dust itself, which helps researchers study the environments surrounding young stars.

In this video, learn about some of the most exciting discoveries Webb has made to date.

 

Video Credit: Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI), NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center

Duration: 4 minutes

Release Date: Feb. 11, 2026

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