Thousands of stars are seen behind and inside the dust and gas towers in an infrared view of M16

M16 – Hubble Infrared view of the Pillars of Creation

Observing in infrared light, Hubble pierced through the obscuring gas and dust of M16’s Pillars of Creation. This ethereal image reveals the young stars that are being formed within the pillars. It also uncovers a myriad of background stars that were hidden at visible wavelengths.

Credits: NASA, ESA and the Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA)