Nebula
A nebula is an interstellar cloud of dust, hydrogen, helium and other ionized gases. Nebulae are often star-forming regions. In these regions the formations of gas, dust, and other materials "clump" together to form larger masses, which attract further matter, and eventually will become massive enough to form stars. The remaining materials are then believed to form planets, and other planetary system objects.
The Horsehead Nebula in Ha
Designation IC 434 & B33 "The Horsehead Nebula" & NGC 2024 "The Flame Nebula"
Type Dark Nebula (B33), Reflection & Emission Nebula (IC 434, NGC 2024, NGC 2023, IC 432 & IC 435
Constellation Orion
Coordinates Telescope centered at RA '05 40 08' Dec '-02 22 53'
Magnitude
Size 2 light years from the "snout to back mane"
Distance 1,600 light years
Notes:
The Horsehead nebula is a relatively small dark nebula comprised of mostly dust illuminated against the faint glow of emission nebula (excited hydrogen) IC 434. This whole region is part of the Orion molecular cloud, a rich star forming region, which also includes the Orion Nebula (M42)
The Flame Nebula (NGC 2024) is a bright emission nebula which is aptly named although it also reminds me of a Fall Maple Leaf.
The very bright star left of center is Alnitak or Zeta Orionis, the third "belt star" in the distinctive Orion constellation.
Integration time of 4.3 hours
Ha 5nm astrodon filter
Francisco Herrera
on Mar 13Horsehead Nebula