NGC 6357: 龙虾星云

2020年10月28日

NGC 6357: The Lobster Nebula
Image Credit & Copyright: Steven Mohr

Explanation: Why is the Lobster Nebula forming some of the most massive stars known? No one is yet sure. Cataloged as NGC 6357, the Lobster Nebula houses the open star cluster Pismis 24 near its center — a home to unusually bright and massive stars. The overall blue glow near the inner star forming region results from the emission of ionized hydrogen gas. The surrounding nebula, featured here, 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.

Tomorrow’s picture: open space

NGC 6357: 龙虾星云
影像提供与版权: Steven Mohr

说明: 为何龙虾星云会产生现知一些最大质量的恒星呢？目前没人能给个确定的答案。编录号为NGC 6357的龙虾星云，中心的疏散星团Pismis 24，是一些极端明亮的大质量恒星之家园。在恒星形成区内围的弥漫泛蓝辉光，是来自电离氢气所发出的辐射。其周围的星云，则是由云气、黝黑尘埃、仍在形成中的恒星和新诞生恒星所聚成的织锦。影像中这些错综复杂的图案，是星际风、辐射压、磁场和重力复杂交互作用下的产物。大小约400光年的NGC 6357，位在天蝎座方向、约8,000光年远之处。

明日的图片: open space