NGC2244 · NGC 2244
| Chinese name | 玫瑰星团 |
|---|---|
| Type | Open cluster |
| Constellation | Mon |
| RA | 06h32m |
| Dec | +05° |
| Apparent magnitude | 4.8ᵐ |
| Hemisphere | Both hemispheres |
| Best season | Winter |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Focal length | 中焦 400–800mm |
About
NGC 2244 is the open cluster at the heart of the Rosette Nebula, about 5,200 light-years away and very young at only about two million years old. Its hot O- and B-type stars pour out intense ultraviolet radiation and stellar winds, ionizing and blowing out the surrounding gas to sculpt the Rosette's signature central cavity and ring. It holds a few dozen members, including several very massive blue-white luminaries. Its bright stars contrast sharply with the red background nebula, and the cluster itself is visible to the naked eye. It is a popular winter mid-focal-length target in Monoceros, usually framed with the whole Rosette.