NGC 2244/46 "Rosette Nebula". Located nearly 5000 light years away in the obscure constellaton Monoceros is this open cluster and faint hydrogen emission nebula. This cluster is perhaps only 1 million years old, and the newly formed stars energize the surrounding hydrogen. The dark veins and blobs are "Bok Globules: which are condensations of dust and gas. The cluster is an easy binocular sight but some claim the nebula is also visible to the unaided eye...Canon 10D, 45 min, Pentax 105 SHDF with .8 reducer, IDAS light pollution filter, Co Springs, Dec 2004