On December 17, 2024, a new image of the star cluster NGC 602 was released, showcasing data from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory and the James Webb Space Telescope. The image reveals a ring-like structure, termed the 'wreath,' outlined by Webb's infrared data, while X-rays from Chandra highlight young, massive stars within the cluster.
Located approximately 200,000 light-years from Earth on the outskirts of the Small Magellanic Cloud, NGC 602 is one of the closest galaxies to the Milky Way. The high-energy light emitted by these stars illuminates the surrounding interstellar space, providing valuable insights into star formation and the dynamics of this region.