ASTRO:
     type=open star cluster* + HII region dark nebula
     const=Monoceros
     mag=3.4
     dist=7,200 ly
     size=4 ly
IMAGE:
     location=EB Driveway
     BrtlCls=4;
     moon=6% (avg) WnCr; sep=n/a°
     exposure=DSLR OSC: 18x600s (3.0h), ISO3200
EQUIPMENT:
​     optics=ES102CF APO / Stellarvue 1.0x fld-fltnr, FL=714mm, f/7.0
     camera=Nikon D90 (mod)
     filter=Radian Triad Quad NB
     mount=Celestron AVX EQ
     guiding= Orion 60x240mm, ZWO ASi244MC
SOFTWARE:
     acquisition=APT, PHD2, Stellarium
     processing=DSS, Photoshop (RCAstro, StarNet++, TopazDeNoiseAI), LrC

NGC 2264 is the designation number in the New General Catalogue ("NGC") that identifies two astronomical objects as a single object: the Cone Nebula, and the Christmas Tree Star Cluster.

These objects are located in the constellation Monoceros about 2,300 light-years from Earth.  The Monoceros constellation is not typically visible by the naked eye due to its lack of large, bright stars.  Because of its relative close proximity and large size, the Christmas Tree is extremely well studied.

NGC 2264 is the location where the Cone Nebula, and the Christmas Tree Cluster have formed inside the associated emission nebula.  Another popular common name for the nebula surrounding the star cluster is the "Fox Fur" nebula.

Both the "Christmas Tree" open star cluster, and LDN1613, the "Cone" nebula sit in close proximity to each other and share the same nebula cloud. Most photographers rotate their images to reflect the "Cone" pointing upwards from 'under' the "Christmas Tree" - as done here.

The "Cone" is a cool, 'dark' nebula pillar rising up in front of a hot, glowing background nebula cloud.  It is the same phenomena as the familiar Horsehead and Elephant Trunk nebulae. The star cluster consists of young, hot stars that were "born" inside the nebula, and now they are 'blowing' the nebula cloud with their hot, energetic stellar winds, creating the "Fox Fur".

220227 - NGC2264 "Christmas Tree" open star cluster + LDN1613 "Cone" nebula