The Flaming Star Nebula
also known as IC 405, is a striking emission and reflection nebula in the constellation Auriga. It is named for its vivid, flame-like appearance, created by glowing hydrogen gas and interstellar dust. Located about 1,500 light-years from Earth, the nebula is illuminated by the fast-moving star AE Aurigae, which is racing through space after being ejected from its birthplace. As the star travels, it lights up the surrounding gas, creating the dynamic and ever-changing structures seen today.
This image combines over 10 hours of exposures, made from 127 individual 5 minute sub-exposures. These were captured over 5 nights between December 2022 and January 2023 from a back garden in Prestwick (Scotland) with a dedicated astrophotography setup. The data was recorded using specialised filters (Ha, OIII and SII) to reveal faint details and structures that are otherwise invisible.
Did you know?
The bright star at the heart of the Flaming Star Nebula, AE Aurigae, is travelling through space at an astonishing more than 100 kilometres per second—fast enough to fly from London to New York in less than a minute. Astronomers believe it was violently ejected from its birthplace around 2.7 million years ago after a close gravitational encounter with other massive stars.
As AE Aurigae speeds through the galaxy, it illuminates the surrounding clouds of gas and dust like a cosmic torch. The beautiful shapes in this image are therefore not permanent—they are constantly changing as the runaway star races onwards through space.
Perhaps the most remarkable thought is that the light in this image began its journey towards Earth long before the first telescope was ever pointed at the sky. Today, it allows us to witness an event that has been unfolding across our galaxy for millions of years.