The Flame Star Nebula
The Flaming Star Nebula is lit by the nearby AE Aurigae in the constellation Auriga. Cataloged as IC 405, this glowing emission and reflection nebula lies approximately 1,500 light-years from Earth.
The Flaming Star Nebula is bright enough to be observed and photographed through a small telescope under the right conditions. IC 405 is an exquisite astrophotography target due to its unique composition and combination of colors.
From mid-northern latitudes, the best time to observe and photograph the Flaming Star Nebula is in the late fall or early winter. It is one of the brightest nebulae in the night sky.
The hydrogen emission gas makes up the “flame” of IC 405, while the blue reflection nebula resembles smoke. The Flaming Star Nebula spans about 5 light-years across, with an apparent visual magnitude of +6.
The rippling dust and gas lanes of red and blue are what give the Flaming Star Nebula its name. The intensely bright star AE Aurigae is so hot that it is blue, and emits energetic light that knocks electrons away from the surrounding gas.
The Flaming Star Nebula
Nebula type: Emission/Reflection Nebula
Distance: 1,500 light-years
Apparent Magnitude: +6
Constellation: Auriga
Designations: IC 405, Caldwell 31, Sharpless 229
Apparent Dimensions (V): 37′ x 10′
The constellation Auriga has many interesting deep-sky objects within it, including NGC 1664, NGC 1857, NGC 1893, IC 405, IC 410, IC 417, M37, M38, and Sh2-232. The brightest star in Auriga is Capella, which is often used as an alignment star for equatorial telescope mounts.
Original RGB data by Steve Menaker (2007). Enhanced using photoshop by me.
