Christmas Tree Cluster (NGC 2264) + Raffaele Calcagno + L-Para (L-Parallels)

Christmas Tree Cluster (NGC 2264)

Credit: Raffaele Calcagno

Filter: Optolong L-Para (L-Parallels)

 

 

This field depicts one of the most active star-forming regions in the constellation Monoceros, about 2,500 light-years from Earth.
The centre of the image is dominated by the Christmas Tree Cluster (NGC 2264), a young open cluster in which the brightest stars form a characteristic tree shape. The cluster is immersed in a vast region of ionised gas, composed mainly of hydrogen (H-alpha), with contributions from oxygen and sulphur, highlighting the star-forming processes underway. Above the cluster is the Cone Nebula, a cold, dense molecular cloud rich in molecular hydrogen and dust, which appears in dark contrast to the surrounding emission. In the field, below the cluster, the Fox Fur Nebula is also visible, characterised by filamentary structures of ionised gas illuminated by young stars, while at the top left is the Hubble Variable Nebula (NGC 2261), a reflection nebula dominated by dust that scatters the light of the star R Monocerotis.

 

 

 

 

 

Technical data:
Telescope/Mount: Askar fra 300 pro & Heq5 pro
Camera: 294 MC PRO
Integration & filter:
190 exposures of 300" Optolong L-PARA
Acquisition: Asiair mini
Guiding telescope: Take 60/240
Guiding camera: ZWO 224 with UV/IR cut
Location: Faggiano (TA) 12-13/01/2026
Processing software: DSS-PS

Credit: Raffaele Calcagno

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