NGC2264

[Andy Elliott]

The designation NGC 2264 is used to identify 2 objects in the constellation of Monoceros. The Cone Nebula, which can be seen in the bottom of the image, and an open star cluster known as the ‘Christmas Tree’ located above the Cone. The tree is inverted with the top of the tree marked by the bright star just above the cone, and the very bright star in the middle of the image (S Monocerotis) marking the centre of the tree trunk.

Also within this region is the Fox Fur Nebula, which lies just to the right of S-Monocerotis, so named as it resembles a stole (or shawl worn on the shoulders) with the head of a fox.

Although not formally named, I have always thought that there is also a cosmic cat lurking within this region, in the top left corner of the image, what do you think?

Thanks for looking.

Skywatcher Esprit 100ED

Skywatcher EQ6 R Pro mount

Ha: 97 x 150s

OIII: 38 x 150s

SII: 52 x 150s

Acquisition – N.I.N.A.

Processing - PixInsight

 

[Ben Egbert]

This is just beautiful. I love the way it fills the frame and I like how the stars are subdued

 

[JimFox]

This is such a great image. There are like a half dozen objects in here that just draw the eye in with the awesome detail you captured. It's not Christmas, but this is just as captivating as if it were. I agree that does look like a cats face up in the upper left. Maybe a lynx? Or a Racoons face? But yeah, I see a face!

 

[Andy Elliott]

Thanks Jim. I am pretty pleased with the result really. I have been shooting with my OSC lately, but went back to my trusty ASI1600MM and shot some narrowband in SHO. Its amazing the detail that can be drawn out of the data. Also, this is my first attempt at using Pixinsight for all pre-processing and post processing.

 

[Andy Elliott]

This is just beautiful. I love the way it fills the frame and I like how the stars are subdued

Thanks Ben. I liked the starless version as well, but with a little reduction the stars won the day.

 

[Dan Moorehead]

Stunning

 

[Mike Lewis]

Well this is lovely work, and thank you for not only helping me see the 'fox head' for the first time, but also that ethereal cat you mention in the upper left. Could be caught in the act of fading in or out like Alice's Cheshire cat perhaps...

ML