space explosion
The image includes optical and near-infrared imaging from both the Gemini South and ESO Very Large Telescope ALMA ESO/NAOJ/NRAO J Bally

The European Southern Observatory has for the first time released spectacular images and a concept video of two young stars from the Orion constellation crashing into each other producing stellar fireworks in space.

The explosion is believed to have take place nearly 500 years ago, making the debris from the explosion look like a cosmic version of fireworks with giant streamers of dust and gas moving in all directions in interstellar space. The clash is believed to have been so violent that scientists estimate it may have produced as much energy as our solar system's Sun emits in 10 million years.

The extraordinary feat was captured by a team of astronomers led by John Bally from the University of Colorado. They used the Atacama Large Millimeter Array better known as ALMA to peek into the heart of this explosion.

"What we see in this once calm stellar nursery is a cosmic version of a 4 July fireworks display, with giant streamers rocketing off in all directions," said Bally.

The latest high-resolution images will help astronomers understand what caused such a powerful blast, and what impact an event like this could have on star formation across the galaxy.

The Orion constellation where the space explosion took place is located on the celestial equator visible throughout the world. It is known be one of the most recognisable constellations in the night sky.

To find out more about this space event refer to the official release from the ESO here.

Two stars exploding
Astronomers captured these dramatic images of the remains of a 500-year-old explosion as they explored the firework-like debris from the birth of a group of massive stars ALMA ESO/NAOJ/NRAO J Bally