Melotte 15 is a young open star cluster located at the heart of the Heart Nebula (IC 1805) in the constellation Cassiopeia, about 7,500 light-years from Earth. It is part of a larger star-forming region within the Perseus Arm of the Milky Way.

The cluster is only a few million years old and contains several massive, bright stars that produce intense radiation and stellar winds. These forces sculpt the surrounding gas and dust into striking pillars and shapes, contributing to the nebula’s dramatic appearance.

Melotte 15 is notable for its role in shaping the Heart Nebula and offers a clear view into the processes of massive star formation and early cluster evolution.

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