NGC 2170, also known as the Angel Nebula, is a striking and beautiful reflection nebula in the constellation Monoceros, located approximately 2,400–2,700 light-years away. It is part of the Mon R2 molecular cloud, a massive star-forming region. The nebula gets its ethereal appearance from a mix of reflection, emission, and dark nebulae. Its blue hues result from starlight scattering off dust, while red emission regions indicate areas of ionized hydrogen gas energized by young, hot B-type stars nearby, and purple hues resulting from the overlapping and blending of the two.

The Angel Nebula is a relatively young stellar nursery, estimated to have formed about 6 to 10 million years ago. The entire region extends across 60 light-years and is a rich site for ongoing star formation.

Visually, the nebula has been likened to a celestial angel, with its "head" on the upper left and flowing "robes" on the right.

**I had high hopes of this being a multi night, deeper integration of this target but unfortunately this winter's weather had other ideas so only one night's capture was possible.  Still I'm pleased with what just over 6 hours revealed using the AP Quad telecompressor for my TEC140 (ie...working at F5 vs. F7), and am looking forward to another deeper run at this incredibly beautiful nebula and region next season.