Astronomy Picture of the Day Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer. 2002 March 17 NGC 2244: A Star Cluster in the Rosette Nebula Credit & Copyright: J. C. Cuillandre & G. Fahlman (CFHT Staff), CFHT Explanation: In the heart of the Rosette Nebula lies a bright open cluster of stars that lights up the nebula. The stars of NGC 2244 formed from the surrounding gas only four million years ago and emit light and wind that define the nebula's...
