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Netizens have reacted to NASA and ESA releasing a photo of a star cluster from outer space that resembles a Christmas tree. Situated about 2300 light years from the Earth, the star cluster is called NGC 2264 and belongs to the Monoceros constellation.
Infrared data from space telescopes portray the gas in the surrounding nebula of the star cluster in green color. This gives it the quintessential look of a Christmas tree, and is thus affectionately called 'Christmas Tree Cluster.' The stars within the nebula are shown in sparkling white and blue lights, resembling lights and other garnishings of a Christmas tree.
The star cluster forms part of a larger group that includes the Cone Nebula, Fox Fur Nebula, and Snowflake Cluster. Users on X were quick to react to the photo released by NASA, and expressed their excitement in the comment section. Some popular comments on X are as follows:
"That’s a super siiiick photo!! 💚💚💚 very Christmas like!!" a user wrote on X.
"last Christmas we looked to the stars and dreamed of a cluster. this year we gaze again and the universe responds with something divine. it whispers to us of the creation of connection of infinity. what we see above is not just a gift it is a reminder. we are stardust longing to return home," commented another.
"The beauty of creation is truly limitless. A cosmic Christmas tree thousands of light-years away reminds us how vast and wondrous the universe is. Every detail speaks of artistry beyond comprehension," a person wrote on X.
Several fans waxed lyrical about NASA, opining:
"If the stars are the lights, does that mean the nebula is the tinsel? NASA's really outdone itself with this cosmic Christmas decor. What would you name this star cluster if you could?" wrote one.
"The Christmas Tree Cluster shines brighter than ever this year! ✨ Combining data to unveil such cosmic beauty truly feels like unwrapping a gift from the universe," wrote another.
"Last year, @ChandraXray's star cluster was a gift to remember, bringing the cosmos closer to us. This year, the collaborative efforts with other telescopes have unveiled even more wonders, showcasing the depth and beauty of space. It's like unwrapping a new layer of the universe each holiday season! Here's to the endless exploration and the gifts of knowledge from above," added another netizen.
"It's always incredible when you guys find stuff like this. Keep up the good work NASA!" another chimed in.
Some other reactions on X are as follows:
"Fascinating celestial developments! NASA's telescopes continue to expand our understanding of the cosmos," one user wrote.
"If you are patient enough ，you can find every shape constituted by stars that similar to the things on earth ,this is the magic work of big or infinite number stars ，happy Christmas to everyone," inferred another netizen on X.
Why are Christmas photos of stranded NASA astronauts in space raising a major question?
On December 16, 2024, NASA posted a photo of stranded astronauts Sunita Williams and Don Pettit on Instagram. The two wore Christmas hats aboard the International Space Station and seemed to join the festive spirit from outside the Earth.
"Another day, another sleigh. @nasaastronauts Don Pettit and Suni Williams, Expedition 72 flight engineer and commander, pose for a fun holiday season portrait while speaking on a ham radio inside the International Space Station’s Columbus laboratory module," NASA's official Instagram handle captioned the photo.
Astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore have been stranded in space since June 2024 and their photos on Instagram gave rise to a major question among netizens. They seemed to wonder how the two got hold of Christmas clothes and hats despite being in outer space for over half a year.
Although we don't have a concrete answer, a report from E News on December 24, 2024, theorized that the two might have gotten the Christmas attire when they boarded the International Space Station last month ahead of Thanksgiving.
Williams and Wilmore were left stranded outside the Earth after their Starliner craft malfunctioned. Despite the mission scheduled to last only eight days, a propulsion-related leak in their aircraft has left them stranded ever since.
According to previous NASA reports, they were supposed to return in February 2025. However, the space agency revealed earlier this month that they could be stranded for a little longer.
The organization recently confirmed that the two wouldn't be able to return to Earth before March or April 2025 because of a delay in launching their replacements at the International Space Station.
