8 stunning images of Cone Nebula shared by NASA

The Cone Nebula is a massive pillar of gas and dust located in the Monoceros constellation, within a region where stars are actively forming.

This monstrous object, resembling a nightmarish beast emerging from a crimson sea, is actually a pillar of gas and dust.

The image, taken by the European Space Observatory's telescopes, emphasizes the nebula's dark and cloudy look, enhancing its enigmatic atmosphere.

The Cone Nebula is situated approximately 2,500 light-years from Earth.

The Cone Nebula was discovered by William Herschel on December 26, 1785, and he labeled it H V.27 at the time.

The Cone Nebula stretches 7 light-years in length and serves as a stellar nursery, with towering gas pillars fostering star formation.

The Cone Nebula forms part of the nebulosity surrounding the Christmas Tree Cluster.

While this nebula has been studied previously, the new image presents it in a far more dramatic light.

Credit: NASA