NGC 6357

Constellation: Scorpius

NGC 6357 (a.k.a the Lobster nebula) is a diffuse nebula near NGC 6334 (the Cat’s Paw nebula) in the constellation Scorpius. The nebula contains many proto-stars and young stars. It is located about 5’500 Ly away. The nebula includes the open cluster Pismis 24, in the center just south of the bright blue nebula. East of Pismis 24, we find the Wolf-Rayet star WR93. Link to interactive sky chart.

Dates:

This is derived from the outstanding data taken by Martin Pugh during April 2025 (Martin’s website: Remote Astrophotography with Martin Pugh (martinpughastrophotography.space).

His telescope is located in Chile (Observatory: El Sauce).

Colour palette is SHO with RGB stars.

Telescope & Mount:

Planewave CDK24 on a Planewave L600 mount.

Imaging:

Image 1:
Camera: Moravian G3-61000 (bin 2×2)

Data:
Nebula:
Astrodon Ha: 33x600s
Astrodon Oiii: 25x600s
Astrodon Sii: 25x600s

Stars:
Astrodon R: 12x180s
Astrodon G: 15x180s
Astrodon B: 15x180s

Total integration time: 15h 56′