Three stars are responsible for the ionization of the nebula LSS 458 (O6.5V((f))z)[5], LSS 499 (OB)[6] and LSS 467 (O9).[7] These stars are embedded within a giant molecular cloud complex sometimes referred to as JKK96 D.[8] Sh 2-306 is situated near the center of the GS234-02 supershell[9][10], a vast infrared-emitting ring structure spanning several degrees, believed to be the result of multiple supernova explosions and stellar winds from previous generations of massive stars.[3]
