War & Peace: Pismis 24 & NGC 6357 This image covers the central part of the large nebula NGC 6357, also known as the ‘Lobster’ or ‘War and Peace’ nebula. The nebula itself appears intensely red, a striking contrast to most emission nebulae which are somewhat more magenta. At the center of the nebula lies a small star cluster Pismis 24 containing some of the heaviest stars known. The intense ultraviolet radiation from these stars is slowly eroding the surrounding gas and dust away and shaping the delicate structures visible throughout the region.

War & Peace: Pismis 24 & NGC 6357

This image covers the central part of the large nebula NGC 6357, also known as the ‘Lobster’ or ‘War and Peace’ nebula.

The nebula itself appears intensely red, a striking contrast to most emission nebulae which are somewhat more magenta.

At the center of the nebula lies a small star cluster Pismis 24 containing some of the heaviest stars known. The intense ultraviolet radiation from these stars is slowly eroding the surrounding gas and dust away and shaping the delicate structures visible throughout the region.