IC 410, the Flaming Star Nebula

IC 405 with its rippling dust lanes is also known as the Flaming Star Nebula (also referenced as Caldwell 31 and SH2-229). It is found in the constellation of Auriga and lies about 1,500 light years from Earth. IC 405 is both an emission and reflection nebula.

The nebula surrounds the eruptive, runaway, variable star AE Auriga (know as the Flaming Star). This bright star is so hot it is blue, emitting light so energetic it knocks electrons away from surrounding gas. When a proton recaptures an electron, red light is frequently emitted. The blue region's colour is a mix of this red light and blue light emitted by the star but reflected to us by surrounding dust.

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