Flaming Star Nebula
IC 405
Properties
Position & Identifiers
Visibility
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About Flaming Star Nebula
Description
The Flaming Star Nebula (IC 405) is an emission and reflection nebula in Auriga, about 1,500 light-years away. It is illuminated by the runaway star AE Aurigae, a hot O-type star that is plowing through the interstellar medium at high speed, causing the surrounding gas to glow.
Observing Tips
A faint nebula requiring dark skies. An H-beta filter works best, though UHC also helps. An 8-inch telescope reveals the bright central region around AE Aurigae. Best observed in winter evenings when Auriga is high overhead.
History
Cataloged in the Index Catalogue by Williamina Fleming in the early 1890s from Harvard photographic plates. AE Aurigae was likely ejected from the Orion Nebula region about 2.7 million years ago in a close stellar encounter.
Fun Facts
AE Aurigae is a runaway star traveling at about 100 km/s. It was not born in the nebula but is merely passing through, temporarily lighting it up. In a few thousand years, it will leave the nebula behind and the Flaming Star will go dark.
Community Photos (1)
Credit: Chuck Ayoub. License: CC0. (Wikimedia Commons)
Skybred Mar 2, 2026