At the end of May, 2010, the European Space Agency's orbiting Herschel telescope was pointed toward a dark cloud in space over 2500 light years away. What it saw may solve a bit of a scientific mystery... and is also truly beautiful:
The cold, thin, glorious line of star birth
Newsletter
Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month
Stay Curious
Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.
View our Privacy Policy
Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!
Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription
More From Discover
Stay Curious
Subscribe
To The Magazine
Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.
Copyright © 2025 LabX Media Group