A dazzling image that includes a cone, the fur of a fox, and a Christmas tree all occur as nebulae in the constellation of the unicorn (Monoceros). They're parts of the
star-forming region NGC 2264 which is about 2,700 light-years away.
Red emission nebulae are excited by energetic light from newborn stars, and dark patches are opaque interstellar dust clouds. But where the dust clouds are close to hot, young stars they reflect starlight, forming blue reflection nebulae. The Fox Fur Nebula's pelt lies below center, bright variable star S Mon immersed in the blue-tinted haze, and the Cone Nebula is near the tree's top. Of course, the stars of NGC 2264 are also known as the Christmas Tree star cluster. The triangular tree shape traced by the stars appears here with its apex at the Cone Nebula and its broader base centered near the star S Mon.
There's more about
Monoceros the Unicorn here.
