NGC 2264 The Christmas Tree Cluster/Cone Nebula

NGC 2264 Christmas Tree Cluster/Cone Nebula

 

NGC 2264 is the designation number of the New General Catalogue that identifies two astronomical objects as a single object: the Cone Nebula, and the Christmas Tree Cluster. Two other objects are within this designation but not officially included, the Snowflake Cluster, and the Fox Fur Nebula.

 

All of the objects are located in the Monoceros constellation and are located about 800 parsecs or 2,600 light-years from Earth. NGC 2264 is sometimes referred to as the Christmas Tree Cluster and the Cone Nebula. However, the designation of NGC 2264 in the New General Catalogue refers to both objects and not the cluster alone. (Wikipedia.org)

 

Technical Information for Image

 

Telescope: William Optics Zenithstar 81 Refractor

Mount: iOptron CEM25P

Imaging Camera: ZWO ASI294MC Pro. Gain 120. Cooled to -5C.

Filter: Optolong L-Enhance Dual Band Ha and OIII

Guiding: William Optics 50mm, 200mm FL, ASI290MC camera

Exposures: 23 x 300s each Bin 2x2

Capture: ASIAIR Pro

Guiding: ASIAIR Pro through ASI290MC camera

Polar Alignment: ASIAIR Pro

Site: California, USA, Captured from a city center. Bortle 8.

Processing: Pixinsight with Final Touchup in Corel PaintShop Pro.

Done