The Cat’s Paw Nebula (NGC 6334) and the Lobster Nebula (NGC 6357) are two of the most fascinating and visually striking star-forming regions in the Milky Way galaxy, both located in the constellation Scorpius, about 5,500 and 8,000 light-years from Earth, respectively. Both regions showcase some of the largest, hottest, and youngest stars in the galaxy, surrounded by dense clouds of dust and gas sculpted into remarkable forms by intense stellar winds and radiation.
The Cat’s Paw Nebula (NGC 6334)
Named for its paw-like shape, the Cat’s Paw Nebula is also known as the Bear Claw Nebula. This nebula spans about 50 light-years across and glows with vibrant shades of red and pink due to hydrogen gas that is ionized by nearby massive stars. The intense red hues are typical of active star-forming regions where new stars are born from dense molecular clouds of gas and dust.
Within NGC 6334, astronomers have discovered several newly formed star clusters. These clusters contain some of the most massive stars known, each having tens of times the mass of the Sun. The nebula’s reddish appearance is due to dense dust clouds that obscure much of its structure in visible light. However, in infrared wavelengths, telescopes like the Spitzer Space Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope have been able to penetrate these dust clouds, revealing numerous hidden star clusters and newborn stars. Stellar winds from young stars within the nebula sculpt and disperse the surrounding gas and dust, creating intricate and complex shapes. The winds also compress nearby regions of gas, triggering further star formation and extending the nebula’s reach.
The Cat’s Paw Nebula is an incredibly active and productive region, earning its nickname as a “stellar nursery.” It is expected to continue birthing stars for millions of years as its massive molecular clouds collapse under gravity.
The Lobster Nebula (NGC 6357)
Close to the Cat’s Paw Nebula lies the Lobster Nebula, also sometimes called the “War and Peace Nebula.” This nebula is approximately 100–150 light-years across and is an even more intense site of massive star formation, housing some of the Milky Way’s largest and most luminous stars. The Lobster Nebula has a complex structure that includes several star clusters, massive young stars, and distinctive bubbles of ionized gas that radiate a bright blue glow in certain wavelengths.
At the heart of NGC 6357 lies the massive star cluster Pismis 24, which includes some of the most massive stars known, with masses initially estimated to be around 200 solar masses. However, it is now understood that these stars are likely binary or multiple-star systems. This nebula is also known for its rich and varied chemical composition, which includes complex organic molecules, an environment that hints at the potential for the formation of the building blocks of life.
Both NGC 6334 and NGC 6357 are critical areas of study for understanding the life cycle of stars, particularly the processes that lead to the formation of massive stars. These nebulae offer a window into the complex dynamics that shape galaxies and provide the building blocks for future star systems, including planets and potentially habitable environments.
The image was captured on location at Hakos, Namibia.
TS94EDPH (with Reducer)
10Micron GM1000 HPS
SIGMA fp L (colour)
ca. 4 hrs, ISO 400, F4.4, 414mm