SVX180T - Angel Nebula

Mondo Gonzales captured this breathtaking image of the Angel Nebula (NGC 2170) in Monoceros with his SVX180T. This object is primarily classified as a reflection nebula and rests approximately 2,400 light-years away from Earth. It is also part of the much larger molecular cloud complex called Monoceros R2, a place of ongoing star formation.

According to Mondo: “The Angel Nebula, cataloged as NGC 2170, is a reflection nebula located in the constellation Monoceros, approximately 2,700 light-years from Earth, where interstellar dust scatters and reflects the blue light from nearby hot, young stars, creating its ethereal glow. This nebula is part of the larger Monoceros R2 molecular cloud complex, a stellar nursery that formed around 6 to 10 million years ago, featuring a mix of bluish reflection regions, reddish emission nebulae, and dark absorption clouds that highlight ongoing star formation processes. Astronomically, NGC 2170 exemplifies how massive molecular clouds, spanning about 10-15 light-years, interact with stellar radiation to shape dynamic cosmic structures visible in the winter sky.”

Other Designations: Angel Nebula, NGC 2170

Details:

Telescope: SVX 180T

Camera: ZWO 6200MC

Mount: Planewave L-350 Direct Drive mount

References:

NGC 2170. Angel Nebula – Astrodrudis. (n.d.). https://astrodrudis.com/ngc-2170-angel-nebula/