The Star Factory of Sagittarius B2 (MIRI image) - section

Sagittarius B2, seen here in vivid mid-infrared light, is the most massive and active star-forming region in our galaxy. Located a few hundred light-years from the Milky Way’s central supermassive black hole, it contains only about 10% of the galactic center’s gas but produces roughly half of its stars—a mystery astronomers are eager to understand. Even Webb’s powerful infrared vision, which can pierce through thick clouds of dust and gas, reaches its limits in this region. Some areas are so dense that not even Webb can see inside. These hidden pockets cradle young stars and the raw material for future ones. Captured with the Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI), this image reveals glowing dust heated by newly formed massive stars. The stars themselves fade from view, replaced by the warm shimmer of the material that gave them life.