Friday, Aug 15, 2025

The Cocoon Nebula is located in the constellation Cygnus, about 3,300 light-years from Earth. It is a vast star-forming region where gas and dust combine to create an area rich in interstellar material, in which new stars are slowly taking shape. At the center of the nebula shines a particularly bright young star, whose light illuminates the surrounding structures, highlighting the different shades of ionized gas. Despite the central brightness, the presence of dust actively contributes to the nebula’s shape and composition, enhancing its shades and contrasts.