Christmas Tree Nebula

The Christmas Tree Nebula (NGC 2264)

This image shows the Christmas Tree Nebula, also known as NGC 2264, a star-forming region located around 2,500 light-years away in the constellation Monoceros. The nebula is shaped by glowing clouds of ionised gas and dark dust lanes, which together create the distinctive tree-like form for which it is named.

Captured using narrowband astrophotography techniques, the image highlights the structure and depth of the nebula rather than natural colour. The green tones reflect emissions from ionised gas within this stellar nursery, where young, hot stars illuminate and sculpt the surrounding material.

Taken from Lincolnshire, UK, using multiple hours of exposure to reveal faint outer regions and fine internal detail. This image is well suited for wall art, editorial use, educational material, or any project celebrating astronomy, space, and the beauty of the night sky.