27122024-Cone_Nebula

🌌 Cone Nebula and Surrounding Region 🌌

 

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This stunning image showcases the Cone Nebula, a dark pillar of gas and dust embedded within the larger Christmas Tree Cluster (NGC 2264). Located approximately 2,700 light-years away in the constellation Monoceros, this region is a vibrant nursery of star formation.

 

🔭 Apparent Size: ~30 arcminutes (roughly the size of the full Moon in the sky)

✨ Apparent Magnitude: ~+3.9 (for the entire cluster, visible with binoculars under dark skies)

 

The characteristic shape of the Cone Nebula is sculpted by intense radiation and stellar winds from nearby hot, young stars. The colorful glow in this image is a result of hydrogen-alpha emissions (red/orange) and reflection from dust particles illuminated by starlight.

 

Captured with precision to bring out the intricate textures and vibrant colors, revealing the nebula’s hidden beauty.

 

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Lights: 160x300" (LRGB - SHO)

Instruments: Telescope Planewave CDK24, Camera FLI ProLine PL9000, Filters Astrodon

 

Date: 15/12/2022

 

#Astrophotography #ConeNebula #NGC2264 #AstronomyLovers #SpaceArt #StarNursery #AstroPhoto

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