NGC 6712 is a relatively small and dim globular cluster surrounded by
the dense stars of the Milky Way in the constellation Scutum. It is
about 22,500 light years from earth, and has the distinction of being
the globular cluster which comes the closest to our galaxy's central
core as the cluster's orbit takes it vertically through the disk of
the galaxy. It is probably the gravitational force of the galaxy's
center which has resulted in NGC 6712's reduced size, and the fact
that it contains no stars smaller than the sun -- all of the lower
mass stars apparently have been pulled away from it.

On the right side of this image is IC 1295, a planetary nebula
much closer to earth, at a distance of 3300 light years. Notice the
double shell of expelled material in this nebula.

Image data:
Camera: STXL-11002
Exposure: RGB 5 hours total
Telescope: Hyperion 12.5"