Rosette nebula in Monoceros

                                                   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. posted by pvgs