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:
Camera: Moravian C1-61000 (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′
Dates:
Data acquired remotely in May 2023 using Martin’s equipment.
His telescope is located in Chile (Observatorio El Sauce).
Colour palette is SHO.
Telescope & Mount:
PlaneWave CDK17 (F6.8) on a Software Bisque Paramount ME mount.
Imaging:
Camera: SBIG STXL11002, FW8G, AO
Data:
Astrodon Ha: 20x1800s
Astrodon O3: 19x1800s
Astrodon S2: 24x1800s
Total integration time: 31h 30′