Stunning image shows cosmic 'Christmas tree' glowing in space
A space phenomenon is spreading some holiday cheer with what looks like a Christmas tree in the stars.
NGC 2264: The Christmas Tree Cluster
NASA has captured a stunning image of NGC 2264, also known as the 'Christmas Tree Cluster', which resembles a cosmic tree with strings of glowing lights. This cluster is made up of young stars aged between one and five million years old and can be found in the Milky Way, about 2,500 light-years away from Earth.
According to NASA, the stars within NGC 2264 vary in size, with some being smaller and others larger than the Sun. The image of the cluster has been rotated about 160 degrees from the traditional North pointing upwards, emphasizing the conical tree shape near the top.
In the composite image created by NASA, the cluster's resemblance to a Christmas tree has been enhanced through image rotation and color choices. The green gas present in the cluster represents the 'pine needles' of the tree. The image also showcases newly-formed stars in clusters, which appear like blinking Christmas lights.
Blinking Lights and Volatile Stars
NASA explains that the blinking lights seen in the video were artificially created to emphasize the locations of the stars as captured by X-rays. These newly-formed stars are volatile and can cause strong flares and variations in different types of light.
The synchronized blinking lights in the video are not how the stars actually behave in real life. NASA's X-ray capture allowed for a visualization of the volatile nature of these young stars, similar to the blinking lights often seen during the holiday season.
The insights provided by this cosmic Christmas tree allow us to better understand the formation and behavior of young stars in our universe.
Further Space News
In other space news, NASA recently used laser technology to stream a cat video from space. Additionally, scientists have found evidence of a 'key ingredient for life' on one of Saturn's moons. A UFO whistleblower has also doubled down on their claims, raising concerns over national security. Finally, North Korea has issued a warning against any interference with their spy satellite.
Stay tuned for more updates from the world of space exploration.
