A Massive Star in NGC 6357
Credit & Copyright: NASA,
ESA and
J. M. ApellАniz (IAA, Spain)
Explanation:
For reasons unknown, NGC 6357 is forming some of the most massive stars ever discovered.
One such massive star, near the center of
NGC 6357, is
framed above carving out its own
interstellar castle with its energetic light from surrounding gas and dust.
In the
greater nebula,
the intricate patterns are caused by
complex interactions between
interstellar winds,
radiation pressures,
magnetic fields, and
gravity.
The overall glow of the nebula results from the
emission of light from
ionized
hydrogen gas.
Near the more obvious
Cat's Paw nebula,
NGC 6357 houses the open star cluster
Pismis 24,
home to many of these tremendously bright and blue stars.
The central part of
NGC 6357 shown spans about 10 light years
and lies about 8,000
light years away toward the constellation of the
Scorpion.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
