The Seagull Nebula (RCW 2, Gum 1 or Sh2-292 - 296), sometimes mistakenly known by the initials IC 2177 is a diffuse nebula visible on the border between the constellations Canis Major and Monoceros. The nebula is situated about 9 degrees to the northeast of the star Sirius and extends for two degrees to the NNE-SSW, in an area very rich in hot blue stars making part of the stellar association Canis Major OB1 to which it was initially assigned the abbreviation Canis Major R1 due to the presence of numerous reflection nebulae. Some of them are catalogued by Sidney van den Bergh in his VdB catalogue under different numbers (please see the annotated mouseover). From astronomical point of view the object is a large H II region with an active star formation, as evidenced by the presence of numerous infrared and X-ray sources associated with young stars or stars in formation. In its surroundings you can observe as well a few open clusters (also annotated). The image above doesn't cover the entire Seagull Nebula. The southern part of this region can be seen here. A 3 panel mosaic (respectively an annotated mouseover) can be found just below: