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IC 405, commonly known as the Flaming Star Nebula, is a striking emission and reflection nebula located in the constellation Auriga. It lies roughly 1,500 light-years from Earth and spans about five light-years across, forming a dramatic tapestry of glowing gas and dark dust lanes.
The nebula is illuminated by the hot, runaway star AE Aurigae, whose intense ultraviolet radiation excites surrounding hydrogen gas, causing it to glow a deep red in H-alpha light. At the same time, interstellar dust scatters the star’s blue light, creating sweeping arcs of blue reflection nebulosity that appear to flicker like flames—giving the nebula its evocative name.
IC 405 is a region of active stellar interaction rather than star birth alone. Powerful stellar winds from AE Aurigae are sculpting the nebula’s structure, carving out filaments and shock fronts while compressing nearby material. Dark dust clouds weave through the glowing gas, adding depth and contrast to the scene.
Often imaged in narrowband and broadband astrophotography, the Flaming Star Nebula reveals a rich interplay of color, motion, and energy—an elegant example of how massive stars shape and illuminate the interstellar medium around them.
Technical Details
Telescope: Sky-Watcher Esprit 100ED Refractor
Auto Focus: ZWO Electronic Auto Focuser
Astronomy Camera: ZWO ASI071MC Pro
Filter: Optolong UV-IR cut filter; 1,200 exposures @ 60 seconds each (20 hours)
Filter: Optolong Lenhance Dual Narrowband Ha/Oiii Filter; 120 exposures @ 5 minutes each (10 hours)
Total Integration Time: 30 hours
Auto Guiding: William Optics Uniguide 50mm Guide Scope
Auto Guiding Camera: ZWO ASI120MM Mini Guide Camera
Auto Guiding Software: PHD2
Telescope Mount: Sky- Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount
Telescope Computer: BeeLink GK-55 Mini PC / Windows 10 Pro
Wireless Communication: GL-iNEt Beryl Travel Router
Telescope Control & Image Capture Software: Nighttime Imaging ‘N’ Astronomy (N.I.N.A.)
Image Integration Software: Astro Pixel Process, by Aries Productions
Image Post Processing Software: PixInsight, by Pleiades Astrophoto
Images captured:
Palm Springs, CA during December 2021. Dark sky classification = Bright suburban sky (Bortle 6)