Astronomy Picture of the Day

    Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our
      fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation
                    written by a professional astronomer.

                              2021 February 14

                          Long Stem Rosette Nebula
             Image Credit & Copyright: Adam Block & Tim Puckett

   Explanation: 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 this flowery emission nebula, at the top of
   the image, atop a long stem of glowing hydrogen gas. 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 the Unicorn (Monoceros).

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