NGC2264 - The Cone Nebula/Christmas Tree Cluster
Fri Mar 13 2026
My first nebula imaged for 2026 and probably the last until after galaxy season! Clear skies have been pretty rare this season…
About this object
- Type
- Star Cluster with Nebulosity
- Constellation
- Monoceros (the Unicorn)
- Distance
- ~2,600 light-years
- Apparent magnitude
- 3.9
- Apparent size
- 11.4′
- Also known as
- Christmas Tree Cluster, Cone Nebula
- Catalogue designations
- NGC 2264
NGC 2264 is a rich complex in Monoceros containing both the Christmas Tree Cluster and the dark, dusty Cone Nebula. The young stars here light up the surrounding hydrogen gas, making it a favourite winter target in narrowband.
Acquisition
- Antlia 3nm Narrowband H-alpha 36 mm: 66 × 3m (3h 18m)
- Antlia 3nm Narrowband Oxygen III 36 mm: 80 × 3m (4h 0m)
- Total integration: 7h 18m
Equipment
- Telescope / Lens: Celestron C8
- Camera: ZWO ASI2600MM Pro
- Mount: Celestron CGEM II
- Filters: Antlia 3nm Narrowband H-alpha 36 mm, Antlia 3nm Narrowband Oxygen III 36 mm
- Guiding scope: SVBony SV106 60mm Guide Scope
- Guiding camera: ZWO ASI174MM Mini
- Accessories: Celestron 0.63X SCT Reducer (94175), ZWO EFW 7 x 36mm
- Software: Pleiades Astrophoto PixInsight
Astrophotography by David Joyce, AstroDavido.