Christmas Tree Cluster

NGC 2264

Diffuse nebula
An infrared Spitzer Space Telescope image of NGC 2264 Credit: SIRTF/NASA/ESA.
Observation data: J2000.0 epoch
Subtype	emission nebula
Right ascension	6h 41m
Declination	+9° 53′
Distance	~2600 ly
Apparent magnitude (V)	3.9
Apparent dimensions (V)	20′
Constellation	Monoceros
See also: Lists of nebulae

NGC 2264 is the designation number of the New General Catalogue that identifies two astronomical objects as a single object:

Two other objects are within this designation but not officially included:

All of the objects are located in the Monoceros constellation and are located about 800 parsecs or 2600 light-years from Earth.

NGC 2264 is sometimes referred to as the Christmas Tree Cluster and the Cone Nebula. However, the designation of NGC 2264 in the New General Catalogue refers to both objects and not the cluster alone.

Coordinates: 06^h 41^m 00^s, +09° 53′ 00″