Stirling Astronomical Society Gallery

The Lobster Claw Nebula (SH 2-157) is an extensive emission nebula in Cassiopeia. The red nebulosity at the top right of this image is part of the nebulosity surrounding the Bubble Nebula (NGC 7635). A small cluster of bright young stars lies within the claw, energising the gas especially in the nearby upper limb of the claw. The compact cluster of stars right of centre near the bottom of the image is NGC 7510. Although not visible in this image, the Lobster Claw is also close to open cluster M52.