NGC 2327, also known as the Seagull or Eagle
Nebula, is a large 120 x 40 arc minute area of emission
nebulosity located on the border between Monoceros and Canis
Major. The catalogue number NGC 2327 designates only the head of
the bird, the brightest portion of the nebula complex. It
surrounds an 8th magnitude star and also includes some blue
reflection nebulosity. A dark nebula's lane protrudes into NGC
2327 from the eastern side towards the star. The area of the
wings is designated as IC 2177. Several open star clusters are
also involved in this area of nebulosity, the most prominent
being NGC 2335, located on the northern "wing" of the Seagull
figure.
