Seagull Nebula
The Seagull Nebula (IC 2177) is an extensive emission and reflection nebula in the constellation Monoceros, spanning roughly 200–240 light‑years. Illuminated by embedded massive stars—such as HD 53367 at its head—it forms a shape resembling a seagull in flight and lies about 3,800 light‑years from Earth.
Source: nasa.gov
APODs including "Seagull Nebula"
The Seagull Nebula
11/01/2014
A broad expanse of glowing gas and dust presents a bird-like visage to astronomers from planet Earth, suggesting its popular moniker - The Seagull Nebula. This portrait of the cosmic bird covers a 1.6 degree wide swath across the plane of the Milky Way, near the direction of Sirius, alpha star of the constellation Canis Major. Of course, the region includes objects with other catalog designations: notably NGC 2327, a compact, dusty emission region with an embedded massive star that forms the bird's head (aka the Parrot Nebula, above center). Dominated by the reddish glow of atomic hydrogen, the complex of gas and dust clouds with bright young stars spans over 100 light-years at an estimated 3,800 light-year distance.