Stars Forming in Serpens . ... Credit Copyright: ESO , HAWK-1 Instrument Team Explanation: Stars are forming in a dense molecular cloud a mere 1,000 light-years away in the constellation Serpens Cauda (The Serpent's Tail). At that estimated distance, this sharp, near-infrared close-up of the active Serpens star-forming region spans about 2 arcminutes or just over half a light-year. ... NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers . NASA Official: Jay Norris. ...