Look: Christmas Tree Cluster spotted in UAE's starry skies amid festive fervour

Christmas magic has gone beyond the bounds of planet Earth!

Astronomers in the UAE spent 35 hours, over the span of a month, to capture a unique image with multiple celestial objects, one of them being a 'Christmas Tree cluster'.

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If you've seen Christmas Trees here on Earth, you would be able to imagine what this marvel looks like in space. Shaped just like the symbol of joy and gifting, the Christmas Tree Cluster, which was spotted with a Cone Nebula, have been are collectively designated by the astronomical identifier NGC 2264.

These wonders are located 2,300 light-years away, which means that we are seeing the light that left these objects in 275 BC, only now reaching us.

These two aren't the only astronomical wonders that experts sighted. Nearby are two other objects: the Snowflake Cluster and the Fox Fur Nebula.

Take a look at the stunning images captured in the night sky just ahead of Christmas.

First, take a closer look at the Christmas Tree Cluster and the Cone Nebula. It may be worth noting that the red and pink colors are result of the ionisation of hydrogen gas, while the blue color is produced by the ionisation of oxygen gas.

Take another look at the Cluster without the markings:

Several dark nebulae can also be seen as black patches, the clouds of gas and dust blocking the light behind them. Take a dark n

How images were captured:

Astronomers used a 108mm refractor telescope, colour camera, and a light-pollution filter. Experts also spent a total imaging time of 35 hours, consisting of 421 exposures, each 5 minutes long.

The experts at the observatory site were:

• Imaging: Mohammad Ouda

• Image processing: Haitham Hamdi

• Observatory team: Osama Ghannam, Anas Mohammad, Khalfan Al Nuaimi

Meher Dhanjal

meher@khaleejtimes.com

Meher Dhanjal is a Digital Journalist who breaks news first and breathes second. She loves chasing page views and finding stories that tug at readers’ heartstrings.