This infrared image from NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope received 15 August, 2006 shows the Orion nebula, our closest massive star-making factory, 1,450 light-years from Earth. The nebula is close enough to appear to the naked eye as a fuzzy star in the sword of the popular hunter constellation. The nebula itself is located on the lower half of the image, surrounded by a ring of dust. It formed in a cold cloud of gas and dust and contains about 1,000 young stars. These stars illuminate the cloud, creatingthe beautiful nebulosity, or swirls of material, seen here in infrared. AFP PHOTO/NASA/HO/GETTY OUT..(Photo credit should read HO/AFP/Getty Images)