NGC 2264

NGC 2264 is a star cluster located in the constellation Monoceros, also known as the Unicorn. It is home to several young stars and is surrounded by a nebula, which is a cloud of gas and dust where new stars are forming. One of the most notable features of NGC 2264 is the Cone Nebula, a distinctive, cone-shaped region of dust and gas. This cluster is not only important for studying star formation but also for understanding the early stages of stellar development in our galaxy. Its proximity to Earth, about 2,700 light-years away, makes it a popular target for astronomers.