NGC 2264, The Christmas Tree cluser and Cone nebula
Constellation: Monoceros
This image covers the region near the Christmas Tree cluster and Cone nebula (NGC 2264) in the constellation of Monoceros. It also continas the Fox fur nebula. The objects are located about 2’300 Ly away. The dark nebula contains LDN 1609 and DOBASHI 4735, while the bright area to the NE is the H-II region GAL 201.6+01.6. Below is a close-up of the Cone nebula and the molecular cloud surrounding it. Link to interactive sky chart
Dates:
This image was taken in February and December 2025
Color palette is HSO.
Telescope & Mount:
Celestron 9.25″ EdgeHD with Hyperstar 4.0 on a 10Micron GM1000HPS mount.
Imaging:
Camera: ASI2600MC-Pro (bin 1×1)
Data:
Antlia ALP-T Dual Band 5nm Highspeed: 236x180s.
Askar ColorMagic (S2O3): 111x180s
Total integration time: 17h 21′
Dates:
This is derived from the outstanding data taken by Martin Pugh during February 2026 (Martin’s website: Remote Astrophotography with Martin Pugh (martinpughastrophotography.space).
His telescope is located in Chile (Observatory: El Sauce).
Colour palette is HaRGB.
Telescope & Mount:
Planewave CDK24 on a Planewave L600 mount.
Imaging:
Camera: Moravian C3-61000 (bin 2×2)
Data:
Nebula:
Astrodon Ha: 24x300s
Astrodon R: 18x300s
Astrodon G: 18x300s
Astrodon B: 18x300s
Stars:
Astrodon R: 12x180s
Astrodon G: 12x180s
Astrodon B: 12x180s
Total integration time: 8h 18′