A cosmic Christmas tree has been spotted 2,500 light-years from Earth, giving space a festive feel with its star formation. New composite images of the Christmas Tree Cluster have been captured by NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory and the Hubble Space Telescope, offering a merry display of stars resembling a Christmas tree adorned with twinkling lights and a snow globe.
The image of NGC 2264, also known as the “Christmas Tree Cluster,” showcases the group of young stars surrounded by the gaseous cloud of a nebula, creating a stunning resemblance to a cosmic evergreen decorated with twinkling lights. The image reveals the process of star formation and offers a visual treat with its festive display.
The Christmas Tree Cluster image is a combination of various wavelengths and telescopic observations. The gas cloud is illuminated in green from the observations at the WIYN Observatory, whereas the infrared images from the Two Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS) display foreground and background stars in white. However, what truly makes this cosmic tree twinkle are the aspects of the image provided by Chandra, with actual stars visible in X-ray wavelengths, twinkling in blue and white in the animated image.
These captivating images provide insights into the process of star formation and offer a festive view of the cosmos. With the Christmas Tree Cluster and the snow globe-like formation captured by the Hubble Space Telescope, the universe is adorned with a holiday cheer that brings the wonders of space closer to home during this festive season.
The cosmic Christmas tree and snow globe images serve as a reminder of the beauty and splendor of the cosmos, adding a touch of holiday magic to the marvels of star formation and celestial formations. These striking visuals capture the imagination and offer a unique perspective on the celestial wonders that lie beyond our Earthly skies, inviting us to explore and appreciate the festive display in the galaxy.
