CB 130-3 is an object known as a dense core, a compact agglomeration of gas and dust in the constellation Serpens. Dense cores like CB 130-3 are the birthplaces of stars. As the cores collapse, enough mass can come together and reach the densities required to ignite hydrogen fusion, marking the birth of a new star. A compact object almost ready to become a fully fledged star is lurking deep within CB 130-3.

Image Credit: ESA / NASA