Star-forming complexes are large structures exhibiting massive star-formation at different stages of evolution, from dense cores to well-developed HII regions. They are very interesting for the study of the formation and evolution of stars. NGC 6334 and NGC 6357 are two active and relatively nearby star-forming complexes. From the extinction map and the sub-mm cold dust emission, and because they have similar velocities, these regions are most likely connected. However, located in the direction of the Galactic center their radial velocity is not representative of their distance. An alternative is then to determine the distance of NGC 6334 and NGC 6357 from their stellar content. Our aim is to perform a census of O-B3 ionising stars in NGC 6334 and NGC 6357, to determine the extinction coefficient, and the distance of both regions. A census of O-B3 stars is an essential basis for estimating the statistical lifetime of the earliest massive star-forming phases.

Cone search capability for table J/A+A/538/A142/tablea2 (Catalogue of stars: R magnitudes)

Cone search capability for table J/A+A/538/A142/tablea1 (Stars with U, B, and V magnitudes)