Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Hubble's Variable Nebula (evening)

NGC 2261 is a tiny but bright, comet-shaped reflection nebula in Monoceros located about 2,600 light-years from our star and midway between the bright star Alzirr (Xi Gem) and the Rosette Nebula, or 11 degrees east of Betelgeuse. The nebulae's wedge shape, which is apparent at higher magnification, is being illuminated by the young, variable star R Monocerotis at its tip. The nebulosity is known for varying in apparent brightness over weeks and months, perhaps due to dust orbiting the star. Use averted vision, but avoid filters
on this object.

(Data courtesy of Starry Night)
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* Origin: CJ's Place, Orange City FL > cjsplace.thruhere.net (954:100/61)