Object Information:

  NGC 2264 - emission nebula and open cluster.

This colorful emission nebula and open cluster lies in an extensive star forming region on the constellation of Monoceros.  Also known as the Christmas Tree cluster, the open cluster lies imbedded in the nebula.  The bright star at the center of this image is the trunk of the Christmas tree. The remainder of the tree is the triangular group of stars on the right with the bright star at the top of the nebula forming the top of the tree. 

  Imaged at: 

  Desert Center, Riverside County, California

  Equipment:  

  Optics - Takahashi E-160 at f/3.3,
  Mount - Astro-Physics 900 GTO,
  Camera - SBIG ST-2000XM with SBIG CFW-8A,

  Guided with the SBIG ST-237A

  Exposure Information:

  November 29, 2003
  Luminance - 35 min, R - 42 min., G - 24 min., B - 30 min.

  Camera Control Software:

  MaxIm DL

  Image Processing Software:

  AIP Win, Mira 6, Photoshop CS