Located near one end of a giant molecular cloud in the Monoceros region of the Milky Way Galaxy is the Rosette Nebula (Caldwell 49 for those keeping score). The cluster and nebulae 5,000 light-years from Earth and measure roughly 130 light years in diameter. The radiation from the young stars excites the atoms in the nebula, causing them to emit radiation themselves producing the emission nebula we see. The mass of the nebula is estimated to be around 10,000 solar masses.

It has been noted that Rosette has a shape reminiscent of a human skull and is sometimes referred to as the "Skull Nebula." Personally, I don’t see it.

Scientists believe it to be one of the prettiest nebulae clusters, but it can prove difficult to see in hazy skies and from suburban locations. Individual stars in the cluster can be resolved without too much trouble through binoculars or a small telescope.

This is a stack of 36 x 300 second exposures – 3 hours taken in March of last year.