As people around the world enjoyed their Christmas trees decorated with lights and garlands, the universe appears to be joining in the festive spirit.
Scientists at NASA have released a stunning image of the star cluster NGC 2264, nicknamed the «Christmas Tree» because of its striking shape and glowing lights.
The image shows a scattering of young stars shining like garlands, while the surrounding clouds of gas and dust resemble soft, fluffy branches. The result looks like a giant Christmas tree carefully decorated deep within the Milky Way.
These young stars are true «cosmic teenagers» — energetic, unpredictable and still in the process of growing. According to NASA, the so-called «Christmas Tree Cluster» has been shining for millions of years and will continue to do so for millions more. Located about 2,500 light-years from Earth, the light we see today began its journey when Ancient Greece was still flourishing.
Meanwhile, humanity continues to push the boundaries of space exploration, with access to space becoming possible even for private citizens. Last week, Michaela Benthaus, a German engineer with paraplegia, became the first person with a disability to fly into space as part of a Blue Origin crew. The company, founded by American entrepreneur Jeff Bezos, operates the suborbital New Shepard rocket and the heavy-lift New Glenn rocket.
