Astronomy Picture of the Day

Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

2005 February 14
See Explanation. Clicking on the picture will download the highest resolution version available.

The Rosette Nebula
Credit & Copyright: Richard Crisp (narrowbandimaging.com)

Explanation: Would the Rosette Nebula by any other name look as sweet? The bland New General Catalogue designation of NGC 2237 doesn't appear to diminish the appearance of the this flowery emission nebula. Inside the nebula lies an open cluster of bright young stars designated NGC 2244. These stars formed about four million years ago from the nebular material and their stellar winds are clearing a hole in the nebula's centre, insulated by a layer of dust and hot gas. Ultraviolet light from the hot cluster stars causes the surrounding nebula to glow. The Rosette Nebula spans about 100 light-years across, lies about 5000 light-years away, and can be seen with a small telescope towards the constellation of Monoceros.

Tomorrow's picture: wispy rhea

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