The Rosette nebula is a large, stunning nebula found approximately 5,000 Light-years from us in the constellation Monoceros. It is nearly 130 light-years wide and composed primarily of ionized hydrogen (red) with hints of twice ionized oxygen (blue) showing near its center. With special filters, additional ionized gases can be imaged making this a popular and colorful target for astrophotographers. Near its core is the open star cluster NGC 2244 (Caldwell 50) whose stars were born from the nebula’s material. These young stars are the source of the intense radiation and solar winds giving the nebula its beautiful shape and color. Overall, the mass of the entire nebula is thought to be equal to about 10,000 solar masses.
The Rosette nebula can be observed in the northern hemisphere during the winter months, but in the farther north latitude of the PNW it is best seen in January. While bright, this nebula is so large and diffuse that it is not visible to the naked eye and requires at least a small telescope or binoculars.
