Monkey Head Nebula

NGC 2174, also known as the Monkey Head Nebula, is an emission nebula located in the constellation Orion, approximately 6,400 light-years away from Earth. This nebula is part of a star-forming region filled with gas and dust, primarily illuminated by young, hot stars within it. The intense ultraviolet radiation from these stars ionizes the surrounding hydrogen gas, causing it to glow and creating the vibrant colors observed in astrophotographic images. The nebula spans about 40 light-years in diameter, making it a significant feature in the Orion complex of interstellar matter.

Astronomers have studied NGC 2174 extensively using telescopes such as the Hubble Space Telescope and the Spitzer Space Telescope. These observations provide insight into the processes of star formation and the dynamic interactions between stars and their surrounding interstellar environments. The nebula’s nickname, Monkey Head, originates from its appearance in visible-light images, where the interplay of light and shadow creates a resemblance to a monkey’s face. This visually captivating structure continues to be a subject of fascination for both scientists and amateur astronomers alike.

You can also download the full size high resolution image . Download (48 MB)

The image was processed using Sirilic for multi-session stacking and followed the post-processing guidelines for dual narrowband filters outlined in the referenced video.