Astronomy:IC 405

From HandWiki
Short description: Emission and reflection nebula in the constellation Auriga
IC 405
Emission nebula
reflection nebula
White light image of the Flaming Star Nebula showing the "smoke" of reflection nebula
Observation data: J2000 epoch
Right ascension 05h 16m 05s
Declination+34° 27′ 49″
Distance1500 ly
Apparent magnitude (V)+6.0?
Apparent dimensions (V)37 × 10
ConstellationAuriga
Physical characteristics
Radius2.5 ly
DesignationsFlaming Star Nebula, Caldwell 31, Sharpless 229
See also: Lists of nebulae

IC 405 (also known as the Flaming Star Nebula, SH 2-229, or Caldwell 31) is an emission and reflection nebula[1] in the constellation Auriga north of the celestial equator, surrounding the bluish, irregular variable star AE Aurigae. It shines at magnitude +6.0. Its celestial coordinates are RA  05h 16.2m dec +34° 28′.[2] It is located near the emission nebula IC 410, the open clusters M38 and M36, and the K-class star Iota Aurigae.

The nebula measures approximately 37.0' x 19.0', and lies about 1,500 light-years away from Earth.[2] It is believed that the proper motion of the central star can be traced back to the Orion's Belt area.[2] The nebula is about 5 light-years across.[1]

See also

Notes

Sources