Infrared VISTA view of a stellar nursery in Monoceros*

This dramatic infrared image shows the nearby star formation region Monoceros R2, located some 2700 light-years away in the constellation of Monoceros (the Unicorn). The picture was created from exposures in the near infrared bands Y, J and Ks taken by the VISTA survey telescope at ESO’s Paranal Observatory. Monoceros R2 is an association of massive hot young stars illuminating a beautiful collection of reflection nebulae, embedded in a large molecular cloud.

This image is available as a mounted image in the ESOshop.

Credit:

ESO/J. Emerson/VISTA.
Acknowledgment: Cambridge Astronomical Survey Unit

About the Image

Id:eso1039a
Type:Observation
Release date:6 October 2010, 12:00
Related releases:eso1039
Size:10065 x 7942 px

About the Object

Name:Monoceros R2
Type:Milky Way : Nebula : Type : Star Formation
Distance:2700 light years
Constellation:Monoceros
Category:Nebulae
Stars

Mounted Image

Image Formats

Large JPEG
33.4 MB
Screensize JPEG
393.3 KB

Zoomable


Wallpapers

1024x768
379.8 KB
1280x1024
609.1 KB
1600x1200
863.6 KB
1920x1200
1010.8 KB
2048x1536
1.3 MB

Coordinates

Position (RA):6 7 46.68
Position (Dec):-6° 22' 58.65"
Field of view:57.24 x 45.17 arcminutes
Orientation:North is 0.1° right of vertical