Webb image shows star-forming region N159 in Large Magellanic Cloud

The James Webb Space Telescope captured a view of N159, and the resulting image was released on 2026-10-22. The telescope was pointed at the emission nebula, which is in the Large Magellanic Cloud.

The image was released on 2026-10-22 and shows what the facts describe as a turbulent star-forming area containing dense gas clumps.

N159 is an emission nebula in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way. The Large Magellanic Cloud orbits the Milky Way galaxy. The facts record two light-year figures for N159: 161,000 and 230.

In the Large Magellanic Cloud, N159 is one of the youngest star-forming regions. It has lower metal content and lower metallicity than the Milky Way.

The nebula contains molecular hydrogen filaments and H II, which is ionized hydrogen gas energized by ultraviolet radiation.

Nearby stellar winds helped produce the region's chaotic structure, while polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons surround pockets in the scene.

Webb, a NASA/ESA telescope, was pointed at N159. The image credit includes NASA, ESA, CSA, E. Sabbi and M. Zamani, with an acknowledgement to M. H. Özsaraç.

The observation gives astronomers a NASA/ESA Webb view for comparing stars at varying stages, including pre-main-sequence stars that are still forming.

Because N159 has lower metallicity than the Milky Way, the facts say it offers an opportunity to learn about early-universe conditions and star formation.