NGC6914: At the Heart of the Swan

A tangle of nebulae and stars in the heart of Cygnus, between July 24 and August 25. A brilliant blanket of red emission nebulae encompasses an intricate web of reflection nebulae of varying shades of blue, with the field shot through by stars of many vivid colours. Towards the middle of the frame the blue nebula fades gradually in colour and intensity, giving way to very dark clouds in an apparent transition. — Howard

The Lobster Nebula

For reasons unknown, NGC 6357 is forming some of the most massive stars ever discovered. Near the more obvious Cat’s Paw nebula, NGC 6357 houses the open star cluster Pismis 24, home to these tremendously bright and blue stars. The overall red glow near the inner star forming region results from the emission of ionized hydrogen gas. The surrounding nebula, shown above, holds a complex tapestry of gas, dark dust, stars still forming, and newly born stars. The intricate patterns are caused by complex interactions between interstellar winds, radiation pressures, magnetic fields, and gravity. NGC 6357 spans about 400 light years and lies about 8,000 light years away toward the constellation of the Scorpion.

Image credit: Warrumbungle Observatory

Great Orion Nebulae

Image Credit & Copyright: Jesús Vargas (Astrogades) & Maritxu Poyal