IC 2169, sometimes called Dreyer's Nebula, is a bright blue reflection nebula in the constellation Monoceros, lying roughly two degrees west of the more famous Cone Nebula and Christmas Tree Cluster (NGC 2264).
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IC 2169, sometimes called Dreyer's Nebula, is a bright blue reflection nebula in the constellation Monoceros, lying roughly two degrees west of the more famous Cone Nebula and Christmas Tree Cluster (NGC 2264). At a distance of about 2,500 light-years, it belongs to the same large star-forming complex as NGC 2264, cataloged as part of the RCW/Sh2 region of active star formation in this part of the Milky Way. Illuminated by young, hot embedded stars, the nebula shows characteristic blue reflection-nebula coloring from starlight scattering off surrounding dust, in contrast to the reddish emission nebulosity typical of nearby star-forming regions. It rewards broadband RGB imaging under dark skies to bring out its delicate blue wisps, and pairs naturally in wide-field frames with the Christmas Tree Cluster and Cone Nebula to its east.
[Source: general astronomical references, incl. constellation-guide.com and amateur imaging references]
Total image time was 34 minutes.
Moon Phase
Last Quarter
Camera
Seestar S30
Optics
150 mm focal length, f/5, 30 mm aperture (APO triplet)
