In the constellation of Monoceros, the Unicorn, lies a captivating celestial skyscape known as NGC 2264. This star-forming region, situated approximately 2,700 light-years away, paints a vibrant tapestry of cosmic gas and dust. Within this intricate scene, reddish emission nebulae, aglow with the energetic light of newborn stars, intertwine with dark interstellar dust clouds. The proximity of these dust clouds to hot, young stars not only obscures but also reflects starlight, creating mesmerizing blue reflection nebulae.
The stars within NGC 2264 are collectively known as the Christmas Tree star cluster, where the triangular tree shape, seen upside down in this image, aligns with the Cone Nebula at its apex.
Discovered in 1785, the Cone Nebula is characterized by a unique shape created by a dark absorption nebula of cold molecular hydrogen and dust, set against a faint emission nebula illuminated by the star S Monocerotis, the bright star just left to the center of the featured image which plays a significant role in illuminating and shaping this cosmic masterpiece. This scene unfolds in this telescopic image spanning 1.5 degrees, approximately 80 light-years at NGC 2264's distance. The Fox Fur Nebula, near the center of the picture, is a captivating section of the larger NGC 2264 region. In the Sharpless catalog as number 273, it resembles the head of a stole made from the fur of a red fox. The red hues in this nebula stem from ionized hydrogen gas stimulated by ultraviolet radiation from hot, blue stars, while the blue areas result from dust clouds reflecting the bluish light of these same stars.
Takahashi CCA250 (250/f5) - ZWO 6200MM - L (400m) R (90m) G (90m) B (90m) - AMT Observatory (
A.Lau/M.Lorenzi/T.Tse), Río Hurtado, Chile. Elaboration images M.Lorenzi.
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