H-Alpha Filament and Pi Puppis Cluster

The H-alpha region surrounding the Pi Puppis Cluster is an emission nebula, located in the constellation Puppis, glows a vibrant red due to the presence of ionized hydrogen gas. The Pi Puppis Cluster, also known as Collinder 135 or Melotte 71, is an open cluster containing around 30 stars, with the brightest member being the fourth-magnitude star Pi Puppis.

One of the most striking features of the H-alpha region around the Pi Puppis Cluster is the presence of dark, obscuring dust lanes that weave through the glowing gas. These dust lanes, composed of interstellar matter, absorb the light from the nebula and create a complex tapestry of light and shadow.