With the variable star R Mon (mag 11) at the
apex, this curious fan shaped reflection nebula was originally
mistaken as being a comet. NGC2261 not only changes its
brightness together with the exciting star but also has shown
changes in its considerable structural detail over the last
century. Hubble's variable nebula is only 3 x 1 arcminutes in
size and shines at an estimated distance of just over 2500 light
years.
