The Lion Nebula, also known as Sh2-132, is a majestic emission nebula located approximately 10,000 light-years away in the constellation Cepheus. This nebula is an active star-forming region, where numerous young, massive stars are born. It is named for its resemblance to a lion in silhouette, proudly outlined against the luminous backdrop of the Milky Way.

The Lion Nebula spans an impressive 250 by 150 light-years, making it one of the larger star-forming regions in our galaxy. Its vivid colors and intricate patterns are the result of ionized hydrogen and oxygen gases, excited by the intense ultraviolet radiation emitted by the massive stars within the nebula. These interactions produce the Lion Nebula's distinctive glow, revealing the complexity and grandeur of the processes that fuel star formation in the universe.