Dark Nebulae in a Young Star Cluster

• Dark Nebulae in a Young Star Cluster. Seen here is a section of an open star cluster in the Eagle
•  Nebula that formed about 5.5 million years ago, approximately 6,500 light-years from Earth. NGC 
• 6611 is a very young cluster, containing many hot, blue stars, whose fierce ultraviolet glow make
•  the surrounding nebula glow brightly. Dark patches can also be spotted, punctuating the stellar 
• landscape at right. These dark areas are very dense regions of gas and dust, which obstruct light 
• from passing through. Many of these may be hiding the sites of the early stages of star formation, 
• before the fledgling stars clear away their surroundings and burst into view.