NGC 2261 Hubble's Variable Nebula - telescope processed image. Its fan-like shape shifts over weeks as dust clouds near the star R Monocerotis cast moving shadows across the nebula's reflective gas.

NGC 2261 Hubble's Variable Nebula - unprocessed image. In 1949, it became the first object ever photographed by the 200-inch Hale Telescope at Palomar Observatory, captured by Edwin Hubble himself.

Next up is #NGC2261 #HubblesVariableNebula. #unistellar #odysseypro #space #astronomy #amateur

C46 / NGC 2261 Hubble's Variable Nebula - telescope processed image with Moon and Sky Light Filter. NGC 2261 (C46) is a variable reflection nebula in Monoceros, illuminated by the star R Monocerotis. Its brightness and shape change visibly due to moving dust clouds.

C46 / NGC 2261 Hubble's Variable Nebula - unprocessed image with Moon and Sky Light Filter. C46/NGC 2261's changes are visible over weeks or months as moving dust clouds cast shadows from the central star, R Mon, making it blink and shift shape.

Next up is a view of #C46 / #NGC2261 #HubblesVariableNebula. #seestar #S50 #space #astronomy #amateur