Higher-resolution versions:  1680 x 1050  2169 x 1454

Object Type: Emission/reflection nebula, open cluster
Constellation: Monoceros
Magnitude: 3.9
Size: 20'

NGC 2264 contains the open cluster commonly called the Christmas Tree Cluster, and the Cone Nebula. The base of the Christmas Tree is formed by the magnitude-4.7 star S Monocerotis, with the apex of the tree pointing to the left, next to the Cone Nebula.

Equipment: Vixen 102-ED/ST-10XME/Astrodon LRGB filters/Paramount ME
F-ratio: f/6.5
Exposures: LRGB: L 9 x 10 minutes: R 9 x 10 minutes: G 9 x 10 minutes: B 9 x 10 minutes: RGB binned 2x2.
Date: January 16, 2009
Location: Landers, California, USA
Technical Notes: Individual exposures were dithered and sigma combined. The RGB image was created in Registar 1.0. Reduce Noise and Gaussian Blur were applied to the RGB image. A high-pass filter of 4 pixels was applied to a copy of luminance image.