NGC 6723 From Calm to Chaos: A Cosmic Contrast

Image Title: NGC 6723 From Calm to Chaos: A Cosmic Contrast

Copyright: Daniel Stern

Date image was taken: July 20, 2025

Location: Rio Hurtado, Chile

Data Acquisition Method: Personal Telescope Setup

Description and Details: This wide-field image highlights a striking contrast between an old globular cluster and an active star-forming region in Corona Australis.

On the left is NGC 6723, a dense cluster of ancient yellow-white stars about 28,000 light-years away. Though it appears close to the surrounding nebulosity, it lies in the foreground and is unrelated.

To the right, reflection nebulae NGC 6726 and NGC 6727 glow blue as starlight scatters off fine interstellar dust. Below them, NGC 6729 curves around the variable star R Coronae Australis, a region filled with protostars, Herbig-Haro objects, and molecular gas—evidence of ongoing star formation.

IC 4812 adds another faint reflection, while dark dust lanes weave through the area, obscuring light and adding contrast.

The image captures two extremes: the calm, ancient order of a globular cluster, and the chaotic birth of new stars in a dusty nursery.

RGB Ha (196, 181, 148, 62) x 300 sec = 49 hours

Name: Daniel Stern

Email: dstern@comcast.net