"Stunning Infrared Image Unveils Cosmic Chameleon's True Colors"

The European Southern Observatory (ESO) has released a stunning infrared image of the Chamaeleon Complex, a vast stellar nursery located approximately 522 light-years from Earth. The image showcases the brightest nebula in the region, IC 2631, which is a reflection nebula made of dust clouds that reflect light emitted from nearby stars. The nebula is primarily illuminated by a young and bright star called HD 97300. The image, captured using ESO's VISTA telescope, reveals interstellar gas and dust energized by young stars in the process of forming. Despite its name, IC 2631 can be observed in the southern hemisphere throughout most of the year.