images

Nebula NGC 2170 in Monoceros in infrared

by

ESO/Novapix

Reference

a-neb21-70006

Date

2010-10-09

This rich collection of predominantly reflection and sparse emission nebulosity exists in the western part of a vast star forming region known as the Monoceros R2 association. The "R" designation stands for reflection and indicates an association of stars illuminating reflection nebulae. Most of the members of Mon R 2 are type B stars located along an east-west line stretching across 2 degrees of the winter sky, situated about 8 degrees east of the Orion Nebula. The Mon R 2 association resides at a distance of 830 pc and formed about 6 to 10 million years ago along the edge of the  Mon R2 molecular cloud. Image taken in infrared by VISTA telescope.