SkyEye - Monoceros

The Unicorn

Abbreviation: Mon
Genitive: Monocerotis
Origin: Petrus Plancius

The constellation of Monoceros

Dutch astronomer Petrus Plancius introduced this constellation in the early seventeenth century. Although the constellation is not easily distinguished by the naked eye, the celestial equator runs right through it which means it contains a great many star clusters and nebulae.

Notable Features

Designation	Name	Description
	α Monocerotids	Confusingly, the radiant for the α Monocerotid meteor shower lies just inside the border of the neighbouring constellation Canis Minor.

HD 45652	Lusitânia	This eighth-magnitude star is known to have at least one exoplanet.
HD 52265	Citalá	This star is known to have at least one exoplanet.

M50		This is an open cluster readily visible through binoculars.
C46	Hubble's Variable Nebula	Although named for Edwin Hubble, this nebula was actually discovered in 1783 by William Herschel. The nebula is interesting in that it's both an emission nebula and a reflection nebula, thanks to the unusual interaction it has with an embedded variable star.
C49	Rosette Nebula	This spectacular nebula is often photographed by amateur and professional alike.
C50		This open cluster lies at the heart of the Rosette Nebula. The stars in the cluster are easily accessible through binoculars but long-exposure photography is necessary to reveal the surrounding nebula in all its glory.
C54		This open cluster was discovered by William Herschel in 1791.
NGC 2264	Cone Nebula, Christmas Tree Cluster	This open cluster is surrounded by nebulosity, including the dark finger that is called the Cone Nebula.