Rosetta Nebula

Caldwel 49 (nebula) / Caldwel 50 (star cluster)

NGC Designations:

NGC 2237 Part of nebula (often used to specify the whole nebula)

NGC 2238 Part of nebula

NGC 2239 Part of nebula (discovered by John Herschel)

NGC 2244 Star cluster at the center of the nebula

NGC 2246 Part of nebula

This emission nebula (C49) is about 5000 light years away and about 50 light years accross. The star cluster at the centre of the nebula (C50 or NGC 2244) formed from this molecular cloud. Note the black globules and columns of gas and dust at the top right of the nebula. These are likely to form stars in the future. Massive young stars are responsible for the radiation pressure that has eroded the gas to form these columns of gas and dust.