IC 405
Emission nebula
reflection nebula
White light image of the Flaming Star Nebula showing the "smoke" of reflection nebula
Observation data: J2000 epoch
Right ascension05h 16m 05s
Declination+34° 27′ 49″
Distance1500 ly
Apparent magnitude (V)+6.0?
Apparent dimensions (V)37′ × 10′
ConstellationAuriga
Physical characteristics
Radius2.5 ly
DesignationsFlaming Star Nebula, Caldwell 31, Sharpless 229

IC 405 (also known as the Flaming Star Nebula, SH 2-229, or Caldwell 31) is an emission and reflection nebula[1] in the constellation Auriga north of the celestial equator, surrounding the bluish, irregular variable star AE Aurigae. It shines at magnitude +6.0. Its celestial coordinates are RA 05h 16.2m dec +34° 28′.[2] It is located near the emission nebula IC 410, the open clusters M38 and M36, and the K-class star Iota Aurigae.

The nebula measures approximately 37.0' x 19.0', and lies about 1,500 light-years away from Earth.[2] It is believed that the proper motion of the central star can be traced back to the Orion's Belt area.[2] The nebula is about 5 light-years across.[1]

See also

Notes

  1. 1 2 Nemiroff, R.; Bonnell, J., eds. (2003-11-24). "IC 405: The Flaming Star Nebula". Astronomy Picture of the Day. NASA. Retrieved 8 August 2008.
  2. 1 2 3 Darling, David. "Flaming Star Nebula (IC 405)". The Internet Encyclopedia of Science. Retrieved 8 August 2008.

Sources

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