Fox Fur Nebula

Image Description and Details : ASA Astrosysteme ASA20NG-OK3 f 3,6, FLI PL16083
Frames: H-Alpha: 35×1200″(11h 40′), Lum: 60×600″(10h), RGB: 75×600″(12h 30′). Integration: 34h 10′.

The Fox Fur Nebula is a nebula (a formation of gas and dust) located in the constellation of Monoceros not far off the right arm of Orion and included in the NGC 2264 Region.

The image is a close-up of a small section of a much larger complex, generally known as the Christmas Tree cluster. The Cone Nebula is also a part of this same cloud.

The red regions of this nebula are caused by hydrogen gas that has been stimulated to emit its own light by the copious ultraviolet radiation coming from the hot, blue stars of the cluster. The blue areas shine by a different process: they are mainly dust clouds that reflect the bluish light of the same stars.

Its popular name arises because the nebula looks like the head of a stole made from the fur of a red fox.

Copyright: Chilescope / Ruben Barbosa