Rho Ophiuchi Region: The region around the multiple star system Rho Ophiuchi in the left part of the image is a very intensive reflection nebula embedded in large dark nebulae.The blue nebula around Rho Ophiuchi is IC 4604 and the other one on the right is IC 4603.

The nebulae are generated by the radiation of hot young stars, which is reflected by the huge gas and dust clouds from which they were born. Within the clouds there are probably more young stars, which are not yet visible. When they will have blown away the matter around them in the future they will also appear in the visible light.

For a large field of view of the complete Antares-Rho Ophiuchi Area see here and here.