NGC 2261

NGC 2261

Reflection nebula
Variable Nebula
An image of NGC 2261 by the Hubble Space Telescope Credit: HST/NASA/JPL/Judy Schmidt
Observation data: J2000.0 epoch
Right ascension	6h 39m 10s[1]
Declination	+8° 45′[1]
Distance	2,500 ly
Apparent magnitude (V)	9.0
Apparent dimensions (V)	2′
Constellation	Monoceros
Designations	Hubble's Variable Nebula,[1] Caldwell 46
See also: Lists of nebulae

NGC 2261 (also known as Hubble's Variable Nebula or Caldwell 46) is a variable nebula located in the constellation Monoceros. The nebula is illuminated by the star R Monocerotis (R Mon), which is not directly visible itself.