The Seagull Nebula commonly refers to a drift of nebulous material within Monoceros containing a number of newly-formed star clusters. The whole structure presents an approximation of the shape of a bird with outstretched wings, hence its name. The nebula designated IC 2177 properly refers to the denser 'knot' of nebulosity in the central parts of the structure, notionally representing the Seagull's head.
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