APOD

[EveryNerveAware]

http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/image/1204/conetree_grissinger_960.jpg

 

Explanation: What do the following things have in common: a cone, the fur of a fox, and a Christmas tree? Answer: they all occur in the constellation of

the unicorn (Monoceros). Pictured above as a star forming region cataloged as NGC 2264, the complex jumble of cosmic gas and dust is about 2,700 light-

years distant and mixes reddish emission nebulae excited by energetic light from newborn stars with dark interstellar dust clouds. Where the otherwise

obscuring dust clouds lie close to the hot, young stars they also reflect starlight, forming blue reflection nebulae. The above image spans about 3/4 degree

or nearly 1.5 full moons, covering 40 light-years at the distance of NGC 2264. Its cast of cosmic characters includes the Fox Fur Nebula, whose convoluted

pelt lies below center, bright variable star S Mon immersed in the blue-tinted haze, and the Cone Nebula near the tree's top. Of course, the stars of

NGC 2264 are also known as the Christmas Tree star cluster. The triangular tree shape traced by the stars appears sideways here, with its apex at the

Cone Nebula and its broader base centered near S Mon.

[1 of the 7]

^ That reminds me of the Clockwork Angels supposed cover!

 

Went to the observatory for the first time this year on Friday...saw Saturn and three moons, and a star cluster (forget which).

[Rolinda Bonz]

https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap200101.html