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Date: March. 12-13, 2026 - Location: Dark Sky Observatory, Fort Davis, TX Telescope: 16 inch RC - Camera: FLI 16803 Exposure: L = 12 x 600s - RGB = 12 x 300s each filter - all bin 1x1 Click on the image below to view at higher resolution. |
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NGC 2170 is a reflection nebula located in the constellation Monoceros. It lies at a distance of approximately 2,400-2,700 light-years from Earth and is associated with the Monoceros R2 (Mon R2) molecular cloud complex, a nearby region of active star formation[1,2] The bluish regions in the image are produced by the scattering of starlight by interstellar dust grains, which preferentially reflect shorter, bluish, wavelengths. Also faint hydrogen emission regions are visible as subtle reddish tones. Dark nebular lanes that obscure background starlight are present throughout the image. These dark structures represent dense concentrations of cold gas and dust where star formation is ongoing[3,4]. The broader structure of the nebula, including the extended arcs of illuminated dust and adjacent dark lanes, forms a shape that resembles outstretched wings. This visual appearance is the basis for the common name "Angel Nebula". The "wing-like" features are composed of reflection and faint emission nebular structures illuminated by embedded and nearby stars. The "reddish" body of the angel is primarily the result of emissions from ionized hydrogen. The area in and around the the Angel Nebula is an active star formation region[2]. Many embedded protostars hidden within the dark obscuring clouds have been detected by infrared observations[2,4]. Of note, NGC 2170 corresponds to the compact blue reflection nebula located slightly above and left of center in this image. The commonly used name Angel Nebula does not refer to a formal catalog designation, but rather to the broader complex of illuminated dust and dark nebulae visible in this field. In practice, NGC 2170 has become the de facto designation for the entire Angel Nebula complex. Image orientation: north down, east to the right.
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