From the 2Mass Image Gallery
The molecular cloud and embedded star cluster Monoceros R2. is seen in this 2MASS image of a stellar cluster in the Mon R2 chain of reflection nebulae. At a distance of 830 pc (2700 light years), the Mon R2 cluster is one of the closest massive star-forming regions to the Sun that remains embedded in a molecular cloud. The cluster contains at least a few hundred pre-main sequence stars within a 0.4-pc diameter region, and likely has formed within the past few million years. The two blue patches of luminosity on either side of the Mon R2 cluster are illuminated by early B-type stars, and are part of a chain of about 30 such reflection nebulae that define the Mon R2 association .This image is a three-band composite constructed from 2MASS Images. They are infrared images and therefore must be mapped into false colors: J light (1.2 µm) into blue, H light (1.6 µm) in green, and Ks light (2.2 µm) into red. The Atlas Images are produced in the 2MASS Production Processing System. North is up and east is to the left.
The text is based on accompanying on-line materials
Last Modified On: Sunday, December 17, 2000