December 25, 2019

NGC 2264 seen by Spitzer (Image Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/P.S. Teixeira (Center for Astrophysics))

NASA’s Spitzer space telescope captured a new image of the so-called Christmas Tree Cluster, so nicknamed for its shape. That appearance is enhanced by a remarkable star formation with the consequent presence of protostars that emit a light that appears pink or red to Spitzer that gives the area an effect similar to the Christmas tree’s balls. It’s part of a set of objects collectively known as NGC 2264 which also includes the Snowflake Cluster, the Cone Nebula and the Fox Fur Nebula.