Melotte 15 (SHO)

Melotte 15 is the open star cluster at the center of the Heart Nebula (IC 1805) although in this image it’s really the nebula that is the subject more than the star cluster itself.

You might find this reminiscent of the Pillars of Creation at the center of Messier 16. Both nebulae have these pillar structures. These are locations where new stars are being formed.

This image is presented int the SHO palette and consists of 26 hours of data.

You can find all the technical details at astrobin.

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