Astronomy Picture of the Day ·

The Variable Nebula NGC 2261

The Astronomy Picture of the Day for January 31, 2025 is “The Variable Nebula NGC 2261,” an image. The picture is copyrighted by its creator (Image Credit & Copyright: Tommy Lease (Denver Astronomical Society)). The original explanation runs about 137 words.

The Variable Nebula NGC 2261
Credit: Image Credit & Copyright: Tommy Lease (Denver Astronomical Society) Copyrighted Shown from science.nasa.gov. Not hosted by OpenOrbit.

From the explanation

“The interstellar cloud of dust and gas captured in this sharp telescopic snapshot is seen to change its appearance noticeably over periods as short as a few weeks. Discovered over 200 years ago and cataloged as NGC 2261, bright star R Monocerotis lies at the tip of the fan-shaped nebula.”

— APOD editors, January 31, 2025

Read the full explanation on science.nasa.gov

At a glance

Date
January 31, 2025
Type
Image
Credit
Credit: Image Credit & Copyright: Tommy Lease (Denver Astronomical Society)
Copyright
Copyrighted by the credited creator. Ask the copyright holder before reusing it.
Explanation length
About 137 words

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Topics in this entry

NebulaeHubble Space Telescope

Topics are matched from words in the title and explanation.

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Source

Copy taken Oct 28, 2026, 2:39 AM EDT. The image and explanation belong to their creators. OpenOrbit is not affiliated with or endorsed by NASA.