The Cone Nebula lies at the southern end of the Christmas Tree Cluster (NGC 2264) in the constellation of Monoceros at a distance of approximately 2,500 light years. NGC 2264 is an area of intense star formation. The Cone Nebula is very faint and is difficult to view visually. Very dark skies and a trained eye are required for this object, however, long exposure images, such as the one above, display the intricate structure of the Cone Nebula.
1http://www.skyhound.com/sh/archive/jan/NGC_2264.html