NGC 2175 is a beautiful star-forming region located in the constellation Orion, about 6,400 light-years away from Earth. This region, often referred to as the “Monkey Head Nebula” due to its shape in images, is a part of a larger nebula complex filled with glowing gas and newly formed stars.
NGC 2175 is an emission nebula, which means it’s made of ionized gas that emits light of various colors. The ionization comes from high-energy radiation from hot, young stars embedded within the nebula, causing the surrounding hydrogen gas to glow, predominantly in red. This process also helps reveal the intricate structures of dust and gas, sculpted by stellar winds and radiation pressure.
This nebula is a popular target for astronomers due to its interesting structures and the opportunity to observe star formation up close. Its intricate detail and relatively close distance make it a rich field of study in understanding the birth of stars and how they interact with their surrounding environment.
