APOD 4.1

In this image, it appears as though there is a large void of stars in the middle of space, but in reality there are thousands of stars there. This large empty space, once considered a hole in the sky, is now known as a dark molecular cloud. A high concentration of dust and molecular dust absorbs almost all the visible light emitted from the background stars. The interior of molecular clouds is the coldest and most isolated places in the universe. A notable molecular cloud, pictured above, is Barnard 68, toward the constellation Ophiuchus. Since there are no stars in the middle, Barnard 68 is relatively nearby, only about 500 light-years away and half a light-year across. These clouds are likely places for stars to form , but it is unknown how the cloud itself forms. With the use of infrared light, however, it is possible to look right through the cloud. It is pretty amazing how it appears there is a large void in space, but in actuality, there are thousands of stars behind the cloud.