NGC 2264 • Sprightly Stars Illuminate 'Christmas Tree Cluster' • This composite image shows the Christmas Tree Cluster. The blue and white lights (which blink in the animated version of this image) are young stars that give off X-rays detected by NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory. Optical data from the National Science Foundation’s WIYN 0.9-meter telescope on Kitt Peak shows gas in the nebula in green, corresponding to the “pine needles” of the tree, and infrared data from the Two Micron All Sky

Experience the enchanting 'Christmas Tree Cluster,' NGC 2264, as its young stars blink like festive lights in this stunning video. Captured using data from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory and infrared imaging, this cosmic tree glows with X-ray-emitting stars and vibrant green nebular gas. Located 2,500 light-years from Earth, it’s a celestial celebration of light and color. #ChristmasTreeCluster #NGC2264 #StarCluster #Astrophotography #SpaceArt #CosmicBeauty #AstronomyLovers #StellarNursery #De

• Christmas Tree Cluster with Blinking X-rays • The “Christmas tree cluster,” or NGC 2264, shows a cluster of young stars between one and five million years old. (For comparison, the Sun is a middle-aged star about 5 billion years old — about 1,000 times older.) The video of NGC 2264 shows optical data captured by astrophotographer Michael Clow from his telescope in Arizona in November 2024, with the Chandra X-ray data blinking on and off. (Credit: X-ray: NASA/CXC/SAO; Optical: Clow, M.; Image P