NGC 6820 is an emission nebula that surrounds
open cluster NGC 6823 in Vulpecula. The most striking feature is
the trunk-like pillar of 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.
