The Prawn Nebula (IC 4628) is a large emission nebula in the constellation Scorpius, known for its reddish glow and resemblance to a prawn, especially in astrophotography. It's a stellar nursery, about 6,000 light-years away, where gas is ionized by nearby massive stars, causing it to glow. It's part of a larger star-forming region and is often imaged alongside open clusters like NGC 6231.
Designation: IC 4628, also known as Gum 56.
Location: Constellation Scorpius, in the Sagittarius Arm of the Milky Way.
Type: Emission nebula, meaning it's energized by radiation from hot, young stars within it.
Appearance: Its name comes from its shape, which looks like a cosmic prawn, particularly in detailed images.
Associated Objects: It's linked to the bright open cluster NGC 6231, which anchors a "False Comet" structure.
Visibility: It's a faint object that is difficult to see visually but is a popular target for astrophotographers. Image Credit ESO
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