2.7 apod

the core fur of a fox and a Christmas tree are all part of the constellation of the unicorn. This picture is a star forming region cataloged as the NGC 2264. This cosmic gas and dust is about 2700 light years away.  This mixes withe the emission nebulae which is excited by light from new starts with dark interstellar clouds. The obscuring dust clouds are close to the hot young starts and it reflects the light forming blue reflection nebulae. This picture spans about 30 light years. ON the left is the cone nebula and the NGC 2264 is also know as the Christmas tree cluster. The triangle shape traveled by the stares is the appex of the CN. It also has a broader base near the S mon. This picture captures the true beauty of outer space.