Photograph
The Rosette Nebula (NGC 2237)
A cosmic "rose" of gas and dust blooming about 5,000 light-years from Earth in the constellation of Monoceros. At the heart of this massive emission nebula lies a cluster of young, hot stars. Their powerful radiation and stellar winds have cleared out the central cavity, causing the surrounding hydrogen clouds to glow in deep crimson hues.
Beyond the frame
The central cavity is not where the gas simply ended, but where young stars have gradually pushed it away. Expanding hot gas compresses colder material around the rim, shaping dark knots and pillars. Some of these may give rise to new stars, so the nebula’s blooming form reveals destruction and new beginnings at the same time.