In a recent revelation, NASA has brought forth an enthralling discovery – NGC 2264, a mesmerizing collection of youthful stars that remarkably resembles a Christmas tree adorned with sparkling lights.
Known colloquially as the “Christmas Tree Cluster,” this assembly of stars resides within the Milky Way and spans an age range of one to five million years. Situated at a distance of approximately 2,500 light-years from Earth, the cluster showcases a diverse array of stars, varying in size from those with less than a tenth of the sun’s mass to others boasting around seven solar masses. People reported on this celestial spectacle.
Nasa presented a composite image of NGC 2264, elaborating on the unique features of the cluster. The vivid blue and white lights emanating from the stars signify the youthful vigor of these celestial bodies, emitting X-rays that have been captured by Nasa’s Chandra X-ray Observatory. The optical data, captured by the National Science Foundation’s WIYN 0.9-meter telescope on Kitt Peak, portrays gas in the nebula in green, resembling the ‘pine needles’ of the celestial Christmas tree. Additionally, infrared data from the Two Micron All Sky Survey showcases foreground and background stars in white.
Nasa described stars within NGC 2264 as “volatile,” indicating their susceptibility to “strong flares in X-rays and other types of variations seen in different types of light.”
While the composite image includes an animated version with blinking lights, Nasa clarified that this was intentionally crafted to illustrate the locations of the stars visible in X-rays. The agency emphasized that, in reality, the variations among these stars are not synchronized, adding an intriguing layer to the celestial narrative.
In unveiling the “Christmas Tree Cluster,” Nasa has once again captivated the world with the wonders of our cosmic neighborhood, offering a dazzling display of celestial beauty just in time for the holiday season.
