Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer. The bland New General Catalog designation of NGC 2237 doesn't appear to diminish the appearance of the this flowery emission nebula . Inside the nebula lies an open cluster of bright young stars designated NGC 2244 . These stars formed about four million years ago from the nebular material and their stellar winds are clearing a hole in the nebula's center, insulated by a layer of dust and hot gas. Ultraviolet light from the hot cluster stars causes the surrounding nebula to glow.
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