NGC 6823 is an open cluster in Vulpecula
surrounded by emission nebula NGC 6820. The most striking
feature is the trunk-like pillar or dust and gas protruding from
the east side of the nebula towards the open cluster, NGC 6823
in the west. The center of the open cluster is about two million
years old and is predominantly represented by many young, bright
blue stars. Outer parts of the cluster intimately involving
pillars of emission nebula NGC 6820, contain even younger stars.
The huge pillars of gas and dust are probably formed when
surrounding gas and dust is pushed and eroded away by radiation
from nearby stars. Remarkable dark globules of gas and dust are
also visible in the nebula, much as is seen in the better known
Eagle Nebula in Serpens or the Lagoon Nebula in Sagittarius.
