The Christmas tree cluster - NGC 2264 (Merry Christmas!)

NGC 2264, the beautiful region known as the Christmas Tree Cluster. Its young stars form a triangular pattern that resembles a glowing tree, shining gently against the dark of space. Above the cluster rises the Cone Nebula, a tall, shadowy pillar of gas shaped by powerful radiation from nearby massive stars. To the side, the soft, rippled textures of the Fox Fur Nebula add depth and color, created by clouds of hydrogen, oxygen, and sulfur excited by newborn stars. Together, these features form a vibrant stellar nursery about 2,300 light‑years away one of the most enchanting winter sights in our galaxy. As you look at this cosmic tree, may it bring you peace, warmth, and a sense of wonder this Christmas. The universe has its own way of celebrating, and tonight, it’s shining just for you.

Equipment:
Imaging Telescope: Askar FRA 300 Pro
Imaging Camera: Touptek 2600MM
Mount: iOptron CEM70G
Guide scope & Camera: Player One FHD-OAG MINI and Player One Xena-M Camera
Filters: Antlia HSO 3nm 36 mm filters
Accessories: Beelink SER6 Mini PC · Player one Phoenix Wheel 7 x 36mm · Pegasus Powerbox Advanced · Gemini EAF · Wanderer Astro Electronic Flats panel.
Software: PixInsight & Photoshop

Processing details: Stacking - Gradient correction on S,H, & O images - Noise X and Blur X on S,H, & O images - Chanel combination - Star removal - Saturation with Curves T - pixel math to combine the stars back - SCNR.