Reflection Nebula in Monoceros
This nebula is noteworthy because over time it varies in both brightness and in its apparent shape. It has a fan-shaped appearance that resembles a comet. Near what looks like the nucleus of the comet is the variable star R Monocerotis. As the brightness of the star varies, so does the brightness of the nebula. But the changes in apparent shape and appearance over time are supposedly causes by shadows cast by clouds of dust that are circling around R Monocerotis.
The nebula is bright enough to be seen in even small telescopes.
| Magnitude | 9.0 |
| Apparent Size | 4' x 2' |
| Distance (light yrs) | 2,500 |
| Right Ascension | 06:39.2 |
| Declination | +8 44 |
| Field of View | 31' x 23' |
Image details: Exposure times of 24 minutes each of lunimance, red, green, and blue, taken with an SBIG STF-8300M imager and a 14-inch Meade LX850 telescope at f/5.5.
February 2023