NGC 6357 is a large complex of emission nebulosity that lies 8,000 light-years away in Scorpius. It shines from the light of ionized hydrogen, which gives it a red color.

At more than a degree and a half in size, NGC 6357 is located 2 degrees north-northeast of NGC 6334, the Cat's Paw Nebula.

The star cluster Pismis 24 is located inside of NGC 6357. Although most of it is obscured by dust, it can be seen as a small group of stars just below the brightest part of the nebula. This cluster contains some of our galaxy's most massive stars, some with a mass of more than 100 times that of our Sun.

NGC 6357 was discovered by John Herschel in 1837.

North is to the top in the above image.

NGC 6357 Catalogs: NGC 6357, Gum 66, RCW 131 Common Name: War and Peace, Lobster Nebula Object Type: Emission Nebula Size: 50' x 40' Constellation: Scorpius Image Field Centered At: RA: 17h 25m 14s Dec: -34° 14' 08"