NGC 2251 is an open star cluster located in the constellation of Monoceros, which is also known as the Unicorn. It was discovered by the astronomer William Herschel in 1783. The cluster is approximately 1,800 light-years away from Earth and contains several bright stars that are relatively young, with ages estimated to be around 100 million years. The cluster is notable for its loose structure and is best observed with binoculars or small telescopes. NGC 2251 is part of a larger region of the sky rich in star formation, making it an interesting target for amateur astronomers and astrophotographers alike.