Behold: the heart of the Rosette Nebula, lit by the young stars of Caldwell 50, also known as the Satellite Cluster. To wit:
The stars of NGC 2244 formed from the surrounding gas only a few million years ago. The featured image taken in January using multiple exposures and very specific colours of Sulphur (shaded red), Hydrogen (green), and Oxygen (blue), captures the central region in tremendous detail. A hot wind of particles streams away from the cluster stars and contributes to an already complex menagerie of gas and dust filaments while slowly evacuating the cluster centre. The Rosette Nebula‘s centre measures about 50 light-years across, lies about 5,200 light-years away, and is visible with binoculars towards the constellation of the Unicorn (Monoceros).
(Image: Don Goldman)