This area is recognizable by the very distinct trunk-like pillar in the center of the image. Earlier this year we visited the Arches National Park in Utah, where we saw lots of beautiful pillars and arches revealed over time as the surrounding softer rock eroded away. The same principle is at work in these distant regions of the galaxy, where nebulous gases are blown away leaving behind all of this lovely structure formed by the remaining denser material. Just below the massive pillar you can easily see a glistening star cluster, which adds to the natural beauty of this place.
