Huge star prevents new star formation

4,000 light years from Earth, the huge Herschel 36 star is shining, surrounded by colourful clouds of dust and gas. The star is only one million years old, but 200,000 times brighter than the Sun. The radiation prevents dust from collecting into new stars in major parts of the Messier 8 star nebula. New star formation can only be observed in the darkest regions.