Christmas Tree Cluster
by Noao/aura/nsf/science Photo Library
Title
Christmas Tree Cluster
Artist
Noao/aura/nsf/science Photo Library
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
Christmas Tree Cluster or NGC 2264, optical image. Appearing in the constellation Monoceros, this is an open cluster of stars in a region filled with clouds of dust and gas (nebulae). Ultraviolet radiation from the stars ionises hydrogen gas, causing it to glow red. The Cone Nebula (dark triangle) is seen at lower centre. The Fox Fur Nebula is seen to the right of the cluster's brightest star, S Monocerotis. The gentle arcs seen near centre are Herbig Haro objects, jets caused by newly-forming stars. Taken at Kitt Peak National Observatory, Arizona, USA.
Uploaded
September 25th, 2018
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