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The Cone Nebula is part of the image on the right that looks like a narrow volcano cone. It is an H II region in the constellation of Monoceros. It was discovered by William Herschel on December 26, 1785, at which time he designated it H V.27. The nebula is located about 830 parsecs or 2,700 light-years from Earth. The Cone Nebula forms part of the nebulosity surrounding the Christmas Tree Cluster. The designation of NGC 2264 in the New General Catalogue refers to both objects and not the nebula alone.
The Fox Fur Nebula is the area in the middle of the image to the left of the bright part. It resembles the head of a red fox and his fur.
Paducah Skies Observatory is a private observatory SW of Paducah, TX. It sits on 45 acres of native Texas grasslands and mesquite trees. The skies are 21.99 on the light pollution scale (almost Bortle 1).
Copyright 2009-2025 Robert Chozick Paducah Skies Observatory