NGC 2264: Stars, Dust, and Gas . ... Credit Copyright: Michael Bessell ( RSAA, ANU ), MSO Explanation: The nebula surrounding bright star S Mon is filled with dark dust and glowing gas. The strange shapes that haunt this star forming region originate from fine interstellar dust reacting in complex ways to the energetic light and hot gas being expelled by the young stars. ... NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers . NASA Official: Jay Norris. ... A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC . ...