7 breathtaking images of Cone Nebula captured by NASA

The Cone Nebula (NGC 2264) is a giant pillar of gas and dust in the constellation Monoceros that is known for its conical shap.

The nebula is surrounded by a red halo of light caused by ultraviolet radiation from hot young stars.

The Cone Nebula, 2,500 light-years away and 7 light-years long, has a turbulent base, evaporating gas tendrils, and a bow-shaped arc.

Astronomers believe that the Cone Nebula is an incubator for developing stars. Over time, the densest regions of the nebula will remain, and stars and planets may form there.

This image captured by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope shows the upper 2.5 light-years of the nebula, which is equivalent to 23 million roundtrips to the Moon. 

It was discovered by William Herschel on December 26, 1785, at which time he designated it H V.27.

Resembling a nightmarish beast rearing its head from a crimson sea, this monstrous object is actually a a cousin of the M16 pillars, which the Hubble captured in 1995. 

Credit: NASA