An incredible image taken by the Webb Space Telescope has been released to mark a year since it began its galactic operations.

NASA revealed the picture on Wednesday, showing the Rho Ophiuchi cloud complex – the closest star-forming region to earth around 390 light years away.

Some 50 stars are captured by the image, with some having a similar mass to the sun, NASA said.

Launched on 25 December 2021, it is the largest telescope in space and will be able to see objects in space too old, distant, or faint for its predecessor Hubble.

Its first images were released to the public a year ago – showing galaxy cluster SMACS 0723 in sharp detail, largely considered to be one of the most detailed images from space ever.

NASA administrator Bill Nelson said: “In just one year, the James Webb Space Telescope has transformed humanity’s view of the cosmos, peering into dust clouds and seeing light from faraway corners of the universe for the very first time.

“Every new image is a new discovery, empowering scientists around the globe to ask and answer questions they once could never dream of.”

NASA releases new images of Uranus which could unravel mystery about planet

Six ancient ‘universe breaker’ galaxies discovered

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope finds signs of ‘building blocks for life’ in icy clouds

Klaus Pontoppidan, Webb project scientist at the Space Telescope Science Institute, said: “Webb’s image of Rho Ophiuchi allows us to witness a very brief period in the stellar lifecycle with new clarity.

“Our own sun experienced a phase like this, long ago, and now we have the technology to see the beginning of another star’s story.”

On its mission, it is hoped it will one day see light from the big bang and study planetary systems for origins of life.

So far, the telescope has sent back images of Uranus and Neptune, as well as icy clouds some 500 light years away from Earth.

Related posts:

How are the big tech companies responding to the invasion of Ukraine? Largest-ever land-based predator dinosaur found on the Isle of Wight An inside look at the most hazardous building in Western Europe as work to remove radioactive sludge begins Scientists create living human skin for robots Twitter sues Musk accusing him of ‘trashing company’ after he pulled out of $44bn deal Scientific breakthrough could help develop new hair loss treatments Toddlers stop napping ‘when their brain has developed, rather than at a specific age’ Why Australia’s worst flu season in five years could be a warning of what’s to come in UK How much of a difference did school closures make to spread of COVID and impact on NHS? God Of War Ragnarok sweeps BAFTA Games Awards as indie sleeper hit takes top prize Gravitational waves that could reveal universe’s secrets seen for first time Smart gloves could allow stroke patients to relearn the piano