February 24, 2006
NGC 2244 and Sh 2-275 - The Rosette Nebula
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Observation Notes:
This is really an incredible nebula from a dark site. While the nebulosity is only hinted at without a a filter, once the Ultrablock filter is inserted, its beatiful form really takes shape. The central region is home to a bright, but sparse open cluster and is mainly clear of nebulosity, with softly glowing petals of light encircling it. The brightest portion of the nebula appeared to be north of the core, and the western quadrant appeared to be lacking in stars. A bright yellow star sparkled just east-southeast of center as shown in the sketch.
Factoids:
The common designation NGC 2244 refers to the cluster of stars at the center of this stellar nursery. The nebulous region is described by the designations NGC 2237, 2238 and 2246. This nebula and star cluster is more than 1 degree across. Star formation is still in progress. This object lies about 5,500 light years away, and is about 130 light years in diameter. The open cluster (NGC 2244) was discovered in 1690 by Flamsteed. The nebulous regions were later discovered by John Herschel, Marth, and Swift.
| Subject | Nebula: Sh 2-275 (The Rosette Nebula) = NGC 2237, 2238, 2246 Open Cluster: NGC 2244 = NGC 2239 = Cr 99 = Mel 47 | |
| Classification* | Open Cluster (III 2 m n) and Emission Nebula | |
| Position* | Monoceros [RA: 06:31:55.6 / Dec: +04:56:35] | |
| Size* | NGC 2244: 24' Sh 2-275: 80' x 60' | |
| Brightness* | NGC 2244: 4.8 bMag Sh 2-275: 6.0 bMag | |
| Date/Time | February 24, 2006 - 11:30 PM MST (February 25, 2006 - 06:30 UT) | |
| Observing Loc. | Anderson Mesa, AZ | |
| Instrument | Orion SVP 6LT Reflector (150 mm dia./1200 mm F/L) | |
| Eyepieces/Mag. | 32 mm (37.5X) | |
| Conditions | Clear, calm, 21°F | |
| Seeing | 3-4/10 | |
| Transparency | Mag 6.8 | |
| *Sources | Orion's The Sky Software NGC/IC Project SEDS |
Posted by Jeremy at February 24, 2006 11:30 PM .
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