D. Heilman Astrophotography

NGC2237 - The Rosette Nebula

This complex nebula, found in the constellation of Monoceros, offers the familiar shape of a rose with a 4 million year old star cluster at its core.  The young cluster has wind swept (stellar wind that is) the surrounding gases into intricate plumes and wisps.  Shock fronts are visible in the oxygen channel (blue) and prominent dust in the foreground makes for a dynamic contrast with the gases behind.  The overall nebula complex is over 100 light years wide at a distance of approximately 5000 light years from Earth.