Gergo Baldauf and the Sacramento Valley Astronomical Society caught this stunning shot of NGC 2261 (Hubble's Variable Nebula) with their SVX152T. Located in the constellation Monoceros, this nebula rests 2,500 light-years away from Earth. Its shape and brightness slowly change over weeks and months. Astronomers believe that this variability comes from the dense knots of dust that pass by the young variable star R Monocerotis. The star illuminates this dust, casting a shadow on the surrounding nebulosity that reflects the star's light. Due to this phenomenon, the nebula sometimes resembles that of a small comet. Located in the constellation Monoceros, this nebula rests 2,500 light-years away from Earth. Its shape and brightness slowly change over weeks and months. Astronomers believe that this variability comes from the dense knots of dust that pass by the young variable star R Monocerotis. The star illuminates this dust, casting a shadow on the surrounding nebulosity that reflects the star's light. Due to this phenomenon, the nebula sometimes resembles that of a small comet.

According to Gergo: "The club's SVX152T took a 4-day trip to Death Valley and the Mojave to capture this image and the Sombrero Galaxy. I used a QHY600M camera and Chroma filters." 

Other Designations: Hubble's Variable Nebula, Caldwell 46.