Seagull Nebula

Object Type: Open Cluster
Scope: Orion APO 80mm; Exposure 180 minutes.

The Seagull Nebula (IC 2177) is a large sweep of glowing emission nebulosity straddling the border of Monoceros and Canis Major, about 3,800 light-years away and roughly 7.5 degrees northeast of Sirius. Its 'head,' catalogued as NGC 2327, surrounds a bright star and is split by a dark dust lane, while its outstretched 'wings' span some two degrees of sky. Several young open clusters, including NGC 2335, are embedded in the complex.