NGC 2261

NGC 2261
Reflection nebula
Variable Nebula
An image of NGC 2261 by the Hubble Space Telescope
Credit: HST/NASA/JPL/Judy Schmidt
Observation data: J2000.0 epoch
Right ascension6h 39m 10s
Declination+8° 45′
Distance2,500 ly
Apparent magnitude (V)9.0
Apparent dimensions (V)2′
ConstellationMonoceros
Physical characteristics
Radius~0.5 ly
DesignationsHubble's Variable Nebula, Caldwell 46

NGC 2261 (also known as Hubble's Variable Nebula or Caldwell 46) is a variable nebula located in the constellation Monoceros. The nebula is illuminated by the star R Monocerotis (R Mon), which is not directly visible itself.

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