Object Information                                            Imaging Details

The beautiful Rosette Nebula is comprised of an open cluster (NGC 2244 - Discovered by John Flamsteed) and and various nebulae (NGC 2237-2239 - some of which was first reported by John Hershel). Radiation from the stars in the cluster cause the nebula to glow. The cluster and nebula are about 5200 l-y from Earth in the constellation Monoceros. This is thought to be an active star forming region.

The open cluster (magnitude 4.8) is about 2 degrees East of 8 Monocerotis and easy to see in binoculars or a small telescope. The associated nebulae requires a larger telescope and dark skies. Photography is required to see color.

This image was taken in January, 2006 from my back yard in suburban Las Cruces.

Clicking the above image will bring up a higher resolution image.

Telescope:

Orion ED80 (prime focus)