NGC 2264 - Christmas Tree Cluster (and Cone Nebula)

From Wikipedia: NGC 2264 is the designation number of the New General Catalogue that identifies two astronomical objects as a single object: the Cone Nebula, and the Christmas Tree Cluster. Two other objects are within this designation but not officially included, the Snowflake Cluster, and the Fox Fur Nebula.

All of the objects are located in the Monoceros constellation and are located about 720 parsecs or 2,300 light-years from Earth. Due to its relative proximity and large size, it is extremely well studied.

NGC 2264 is sometimes referred to as the Christmas Tree Cluster and the Cone Nebula. However, the designation of NGC 2264 in the New General Catalogue refers to both objects and not the cluster alone.

Imagers Notes: This is one of my first narrowband images that I did for Christmas of 2021. This image was basically taken on Christmas Eve in one night, and I went super crazy with the colors and star spikes for the holiday. To be honest, it was the confirmation of a departure from trying to create more true images and have fun with the hobby. I really enjoyed it and I think it led me to try new things with my processing.