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 late December, 2008 from my in-laws' home in Hilltop Lakes, TX.

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

Telescope:

Celestron NexStar GPS 11