Caption: The Cone nebula is the visible part of a large cloud of hydrogen and tiny solid particles in the constellation of Monoceros. Within and around this cloud are many recently formed stars, some completely hidden within the dense interstellar matter. They can be detected by special infra-red techniques that are able to penetrate the obscuration. The largest of the dust clouds is in the foreground; it is this curious straight-sided feature that gives the object its name.
Copyright: (c) 1981 Anglo-Australian Telescope Board, photograph by David Malin
