220227 - NGC2264 "Christmas Tree" open star cluster + LDN1613 "Cone" nebula
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ASTRO:
type=open star cluster* + HII region dark nebula const=Monoceros mag=3.4 dist=7,200 ly size=4 ly IMAGE: location=EB Driveway BrtlCls=4; moon=6% (avg) WnCr; sep=n/a° exposure=DSLR OSC: 18x600s (3.0h), ISO3200 EQUIPMENT: camera=Nikon D90 (mod) optics=ES102 w1.0x fltnr, FL=714mm, f/7 filter=Radian Triad Quad NB mount=Celestron AVX EQ guiding= Orion 60x240mm, ZWO ASi244MC SOFTWARE: acquisition=Stellarium, APT, PHD2, processing=DSS, PhotoshopCC, RCAstro, StarNet++, TopazDeNoiseAI, LrC |
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NGC 2264 is the designation number in the New General Catalogue ("NGC") that identifies two astronomical objects as a single object: the Cone Nebula, and the Christmas Tree Star Cluster.
These objects are located in the constellation Monoceros and are located about 2,300 light-years from Earth. The Monoceros constellation is not typically visible by the naked eye due to its lack of large, bright stars. Because of its relative close proximity and large size, the Christmas Tree is extremely well studied.
NGC 2264 is the location where the Cone Nebula, and the Christmas Tree Cluster have formed inside the associated emission nebula.
Both the "Christmas Tree" open star cluster, and LDN1613, the "Cone" nebula sit in close proximity to each other and share the same nebula cloud. Most photographers rotate their images to reflect the "Cone" pointing upwards from 'under' the "Christmas Tree" - as done here.
The "Cone" is a cool, 'dark' nebula pillar rising up in front of a hot, glowing background nebula cloud. It is the same phenomena as the familiar Horsehead and Elephant Trunk nebulae. The star cluster consists of young, hot stars that were "born" inside the nebula, and now they are 'blowing' the nebula cloud with their hot, energetic stellar winds, creating the tree "branches".
These objects are located in the constellation Monoceros and are located about 2,300 light-years from Earth. The Monoceros constellation is not typically visible by the naked eye due to its lack of large, bright stars. Because of its relative close proximity and large size, the Christmas Tree is extremely well studied.
NGC 2264 is the location where the Cone Nebula, and the Christmas Tree Cluster have formed inside the associated emission nebula.
Both the "Christmas Tree" open star cluster, and LDN1613, the "Cone" nebula sit in close proximity to each other and share the same nebula cloud. Most photographers rotate their images to reflect the "Cone" pointing upwards from 'under' the "Christmas Tree" - as done here.
The "Cone" is a cool, 'dark' nebula pillar rising up in front of a hot, glowing background nebula cloud. It is the same phenomena as the familiar Horsehead and Elephant Trunk nebulae. The star cluster consists of young, hot stars that were "born" inside the nebula, and now they are 'blowing' the nebula cloud with their hot, energetic stellar winds, creating the tree "branches".