description Sharpless 2-252 Overview
Sharpless 2-252 (Sh2-252) is an H II emission nebula cataloged in Stewart Sharpless's 1959 catalogue of galactic nebulae. It is identified with NGC 2174, commonly known as the Monkey Head Nebula, a star-forming region located in the constellation Orion. The nebula's gas is ionized by ultraviolet radiation from young, hot stars embedded within it, producing the reddish emission characteristic of hydrogen-rich nebulae. NGC 2174 lies at an estimated distance of approximately 6,400 light-years from Earth and is a target for both amateur and professional astronomical observation.
help Sharpless 2-252 FAQ
What type of astronomical object is Sharpless 2-252?
Sharpless 2-252 is an H II region and star-forming nebula more commonly known as the Monkey Head Nebula. It is located in the constellation Orion and is also cataloged as NGC 2174.
How far away is the Monkey Head Nebula from Earth?
The Monkey Head Nebula is located approximately 6,400 light-years away from our solar system. It is a distant stellar nursery where new stars are actively being formed.
What telescopes have captured famous images of Sharpless 2-252?
The Hubble Space Telescope has captured incredibly detailed images of the Monkey Head Nebula, particularly its massive pillars of gas and dust. The Spitzer Space Telescope has also observed its star-forming clouds in infrared light.
What catalog designations are associated with the Monkey Head Nebula?
The Monkey Head Nebula is officially cataloged as both Sharpless 2-252 and NGC 2174. It was included in the Sharpless catalog of emission nebulae created by astronomer Stewart Sharplose.
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