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NGC 6357 is a diffuse nebula in the constellation Scorpius. It is a cluster of clusters that contains at least three clusters of young stars, including many hot, massive, luminous stars.[1] Star formation with numerous filaments of dust and gas surround huge cavities of massive star clusters. It spans around 100 light years and is located 5,500 light years from Sol.[2]

File:NGC 6357 Nebula.png
NGC 6357 nebula

It is also known as the Lobster Nebula.[3] Scientists of the Midcourse Space Experiment named it the War and Peace Nebula. Because in infrared images the bright, western part resembles a dove, while the eastern part looks like a skull.[4]

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