Rosette Nebula
The Rosette Nebula (NGC 2237–39, 2244) is a large H II region and stellar nursery about 5,200 light‑years away in the constellation Monoceros. Spanning roughly 100 light‑years, it consists of a central cavity surrounded by ionized gas illuminated and sculpted by the young star cluster NGC 2244, with pillars, cavities, and ongoing star formation.
Source: science.nasa.gov
APODs including "Rosette Nebula"
The Rosette Nebula
14/02/2007
Would the Rosette Nebula by any other name look as sweet? The bland New General Catalog 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 center, 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.