NGC 2244 is an open star cluster located in the Rosette Nebula, a region of active star formation in the constellation Monoceros. It was discovered by John Flamsteed in 1701 and is approximately 4,500 light-years away from Earth. The cluster contains around 30 stars, which are relatively young, with ages estimated between 2 to 4 million years. The stars in NGC 2244 are primarily of spectral types O and B, indicating they are hot and massive. The cluster is embedded within the Rosette Nebula, which provides a rich backdrop of gas and dust, contributing to the ongoing formation of new stars in the region.