IC 405

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 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. It is located near the emission nebula IC 410, the open clusters M38 and M36, and the K-class star Iota Aurigae.

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 ascension05h 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

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

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