Explanation: Star cluster NGC 6823 is ready for its close-up.
The center of the open cluster, visible on the upper right, formed only about two million years ago and is dominated in brightness by a host of bright young blue stars.
Outer parts of the cluster, visible above in the image center as the stars and pillars of emission nebula NGC 6820, contain even younger stars.
The huge pillars of gas and dust likely get their elongated shape by erosion from hot radiation emitted from the brightest cluster stars.
