X-ray: NASA/CXC/SAO; Optical: T.A. Rector (NRAO/AUI/NSF and NOIRLab/NSF/AURA) and B.A. Wolpa (NOIRLab/NSF/AURA); Infrared: NASA/NSF/IPAC/CalTech/Univ. of Massachusetts; Image Processing: NASA/CXC/SAO/L. Frattare & J.Major / © NASA
It seems the holiday spirit has reached far beyond Earth this year, as NASA unveils a stunning discovery – the 'Christmas Tree Cluster.'
Nestled within the vastness of the Milky Way, approximately 2,500 light-years away from our planet, NGC 2264 has captured the imaginations of astronomers and stargazers alike. This cosmic wonder, consisting of stars aged between 1 and 5 million years old, bears an uncanny resemblance to a Christmas tree adorned with bright lights. NASA, in its announcement on Tuesday, shared a composite image showcasing the intricate details of this festive celestial display.
"The stars in NGC 2264 vary in size, ranging from some with less than a tenth the mass of the Sun to others containing about seven solar masses," NASA explained on its website.