is a large fain,t irregularly shaped complex of emission nebula and dust in the constellation Scorpius. NGC 6357 is forming some of the most massive stars ever discovered.The open star cluster Pismis 24 is embebbed within it, which is home to these tremendously bright blue giant stars. The overall red glow near the inner star forming region results from the emission of ionized hydrogen gas.Sstars are still forming. 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

The image is a false color composite created from 60 minutes of Ha data (15 x 4 minute subexposures) with a Starlight Xpress SXV-H9, Astronomik 13nm bandpass filter through a Takahahsi FS60c @ f/4.4