NGC 2018 is an Open Cluster embedded in a star forming (HII) region known as Henize 206. They are located within the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) in the constellation Mensa. At a distance of about 163,000 light-years, Two small Open Clusters (also within the LMC) can be seen. At the top of the image is NGC 2010 and left and above center is NGC 2031.
The nebula, Henize 206, and the scattered remnants of the exploding star that created it are now the birthplace for hundreds and possibly thousands of stars, ranging in age from two to 10 million years old.

Telescope: Planewave CDK17 (FR) f4.5
Mount: Astro Physics 1600GTO
Camera: QHY16200A/ Integral FW
Guider: Agena Starguide II / ZWO ASI178MM
Filters: Astronomik 36mm LRGB

L: 83×10 mins = 830 mins, R: 24×10 mins = 240 mins, G: 24×10 mins = 240 mins, B: 24×10 mins = 240 mins

Total Imaging Time: 25h 50m

Data Imaged remotely on 9 nights during December 2025 & January 2026.
Data acquisition & Processing by David Churchill.

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