IC 405 and IC 410 nebulae in Auriga
auteur: R.Gendler/Novapix
référence: a-nec04-05003
Image Size 300 DPI: 33 * 21 cm
IC 405 (right) is a nebula illuminated by the bright star AE Aurigae, a hot blue star, emitting light so energetic it knocks electrons away from surrounding gas. The blue region's color is a mix of this red light and blue light emitted by AE Aurigae but reflected to us by surrounding dust. The Flaming Star Nebula, officially known as IC 405, lies about 1500 light years distant, spans about 5 light years, and is visible with a small telescope toward the constellation of Auriga.
One and a half degree East from the Flaming Star Nebula is located IC 410 (bottom left), a region of faint nebulosity surrounding the open star cluster NGC 1893. The cluster itself is small and located just below center, underneath the central dust region of the nebula.