NGC 2467 Bright Nebula and Stellar Region

The huge nebula surrounding the stellar cluster NGC 2467, located in the southern constellation of Puppis (" The Stern" ) is a virtual "star factory." With an age of a few million years at most, it is a very active stellar nursery, where new stars are born continuously from large clouds of dust and gas. The image, looking like a cosmic ghost or a gigantic celestial Mandrill, contains the open clusters Haffner 18 (center) and Haffner 19, as well as vast areas of ionised gas. The bright star at the center of the largest Hydrogen gas region on the bottom of the image is HD 64315, a massive young star that is helping shaping the structure of the whole nebular region. The entire stellar region is a classic example of cluster of very hot young stars and their surroundings. This beautiful nebula was imaged during commercials for Superbowl 2010 when the New Orleans Saints won their first Championship.