This is definitely one of the most colorful areas in the sky. Antares ( Alpha Scorpii) is the bright star at the bottom, a red super-giant, which is 700x larger in diameter than our sun. Its name means 'rival of Ares', because its color comes very close to Mars( greek:Ares). The yellow-orange light is reflected be a surrounding nebula ( IC4606). At the 3 o'clock position the globular cluster M4 can be found, another globular cluster ( NGC6144 )is at the 2 o'clock position.
In the center 22 Scorpii is embedded in a smaller blue reflection nebula, and to the right Sigma Scorpii excites a hydrogen cloud to radiate in the red light of H-alpha.
On top the light of Rho Ophiuchi is reflected beautifully by a huge nebula, IC4604.
Below another reflection nebula is located, IC4603.
The dark molecular clouds contain newly born stars, still enshrouded in the surrounding dust.

When you press next, an enlarged crop of the nebulosity around Rho Ophiuchi is shown.