The largest, most violent star forming region known in the whole Local Group of galaxies lies in our neighboring galaxy the LMC . Were 30 Doradus at the distance of the Orion Nebula -- a local star forming region -- it would take up fully half the sky. Also called the Tarantula Nebula , the red gas indicates a massive emission nebula , although supernova remnants and dark nebula also exist in 30 Doradus . The bright knot of stars just below center is called R136 and contains many of the most massive, hottest, and brightest stars known.
Media Credits & Attribution
Credit: Anglo-Australian Telescope photograph by David Malin Copyright: Anglo-Australian Telescope Board