Astronomers Spot a “Cosmic Christmas Tree” in Space
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In the constellation Unicorn, astronomers have discovered an unusual star cluster shaped like a Christmas tree. The object, named the Cosmic Christmas Tree, is located in the NGC 2264 nebula, where new stars are actively forming.
Astronomers have identified a unique star cluster resembling a Christmas tree. The Cosmic Christmas Tree is located in the NGC 2264 nebula, approximately 2,700 light-years from Earth, in the faint constellation of Unicorn.
NGC 2264 is one of the Milky Way’s most active “stellar nurseries,” where abundant gas and cosmic dust enable the formation of new stars. Young stars form a triangular pattern, giving the cluster its festive name.
Inside the gas and dust clouds, stars continue to form, emit energy, and shape the surrounding space. Researchers note that NGC 2264 is unique because it allows observation of multiple stages of star formation — from the collapse of dense clouds to the moment young stars begin to push away the material from which they formed.
The nebula contains large amounts of hydrogen mixed with dense dust. Newly formed stars emit powerful ultraviolet light that excites hydrogen atoms, causing vast areas of the nebula to glow red. Meanwhile, the dust scatters blue light, creating a reflective nebula effect. The combination of red and blue glow gives the Cosmic Christmas Tree its layered, festive appearance.
NGC 2264 is one of the Milky Way’s most active “stellar nurseries,” where abundant gas and cosmic dust enable the formation of new stars. Young stars form a triangular pattern, giving the cluster its festive name.
Inside the gas and dust clouds, stars continue to form, emit energy, and shape the surrounding space. Researchers note that NGC 2264 is unique because it allows observation of multiple stages of star formation — from the collapse of dense clouds to the moment young stars begin to push away the material from which they formed.
The nebula contains large amounts of hydrogen mixed with dense dust. Newly formed stars emit powerful ultraviolet light that excites hydrogen atoms, causing vast areas of the nebula to glow red. Meanwhile, the dust scatters blue light, creating a reflective nebula effect. The combination of red and blue glow gives the Cosmic Christmas Tree its layered, festive appearance.
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