IC 405 (also known as the Flaming Star Nebula, SH 2-229, or Caldwell 31) is an emission and reflection nebula in the constellation Auriga. The nebula lies about 1,500 light-years away from Earth and spans about 5 light-years. The variable star AE Aurigae is the brightest star in the bright part of the nebula, and is emitting the energy that is causing the surrounding gas to glow. Most of the nebula is dominated by the red glow of hydrogen gas, and there is a blue reflection nebula patch near its core. This diffuse nebula gives the impression that the star is burning, hence its name. The red and blue colors of the nebula are present in different regions and are created by different processes.
IC 405
Telescope: 16″ f3.75 Dream Scope
Camera: FLI ML16803
Mount: ASA DDM85
Exposure: 8 hours (42x300s L + 3x18x300s RGB)
Date: September 2020
Location: Southern Alps, France
Bart Delsaert - Astrophotography 