Christmas Tree Series III

Christmas Tree Cluster III


Credit: Russell Croman
The Christmas Tree Cluster focusing in on the Cone Nebula



The Christmas Tree Star Cluster is one of four astronomical objects identified within NGC 2264. The other three being the Cone Nebula Nebula, the Fox Fur Nebula and the Snowflake Cluster. You'll find them all in the Monoceros constellation, one of Orions neighbours.

The Christmas Tree Cluster (NGC 2264) was discovered by William Herschel in 1784 and can be observed with binoculars if you so wish. The star cluster includes many interesting and curious structures in the gas and dust. At the bottom of the frame, the dark triangular feature is known as the Cone Nebula ( mentioned above). The region to the right of the brightest star has a strange, fur-like texture that has led to the name Fox Fur Nebula, also mentioned above.

I've collected a few images of the Christmas Tree for you to enjoy these holidays. Links to the original and more scientific information about this spectacular view in the sky is integrated in the text.

The image above is taken January December 2005 can be found on Russell Croman Astrophotography(click image for a larger view). Note that I have rotated all the Christmas Tree Cluster images so that we see 'a tree' standing upright.

The Cone Nebula - Close-Up



Credit Esa/Nasa

As we are focusing in on the Cone Nebula in the Christmas Tree Cluster you might as well get a really close look. It is rather peculiar and pretty, the Cone Nebula. It can certainly survive a close-up with dignity.:-)

X-Ray Santa

A Dash of Blue in Orion



Credit: AAAS/Science (ESA XMM-Newton and NASA Spitzer data)


All X-Rayed Santa



Calling this Santa Claus is a bit of a long stretch, I think, but that is how ESA present this image. I like the blue AND Orion is one of my favorite conctellations, so I decided to serve you this as an astronomical Christmas image after all. :-)

Christmas Tree Series - II

Christmas Tree Cluster II


Credit: T.A. Rector (NRAO/AUI/NSF and NOAO/AURA/NSF) and B.A. Wolpa (NOAO/AURA/NSF)


The Christmas Tree Star Cluster is one of four astronomical objects identified within NGC 2264. The other three being the Cone Nebula Nebula, the Fox Fur Nebula and the Snowflake Cluster. You'll find them all in the Monoceros constellation, one of Orions neighbours.

The Christmas Tree Cluster (NGC 2264) was discovered by William Herschel in 1784 and can be observed with binoculars if you so wish. The star cluster includes many interesting and curious structures in the gas and dust. At the top of the frame, the dark triangular feature is known as the Cone Nebula ( mentioned above). The region close to the brightest star has a strange, fur-like texture that has led to the name Fox Fur Nebula, also mentioned above.

I've collected a few images of the Christmas Tree for you to enjoy these holidays. Links to the original and more scientific information about this spectacular view in the sky is integrated in the text.

The image above is published December 2005 on NOAO's pages (click image for a larger view). Note that I have rotated all the Christmas Tree Cluster images so that we see 'a tree' standing upright.

Christmas Tree Series - I

Christmas Tree Cluster I


Credit: Laura Baird/Flynn Haase/NOAO/AURA/NSF


Culture is well represented in the heavens as names on constellations, nebulae, stars etc. That is also the case for the Christmas tree. In the heavens the Christmas tree contains a few other elements such as a Cone, just like one would expect. I can't say I've seen a Fox Fur on a Christmas tree here on Earth, though, but it sure has got one in the sky version of a Christmas tree.

The Christmas Tree Cluster (NGC 2264) was discovered by William Herschel in 1784 and can be observed with binoculars. The star cluster includes many interesting and curious structures in the gas and dust. At the bottom of the frame, the dark triangular feature is known as the Cone Nebula ( mentioned above). The region to the right of the brightest star has a strange, fur-like texture that has led to the name Fox Fur Nebula, also mentioned above.

I've collected a few images of the Christmas Tree for you to enjoy these holidays. Links to the original and more scientific information about this spectacular view in the sky is integrated in the text.

The image above is taken at Kitt Peak and published December 2004 on NOAO's pages (click image for the original). Note that I have rotated all the Christmas Tree Cluster images so that we see 'a tree' standing upright.