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Flaming Star Nebula (IC 405)
emission nebula in Auriga
The Flaming Star Nebula is a mixed nebula in Auriga, lit by the hot runaway star AE Aurigae. It combines red emission with blue reflection, and the whole region is rich in faint dust. It is a fine wide-field target that also suits color cameras.
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// Key facts
- Catalog
- IC 405
- Also known as
- C 31, Caldwell 31, Sh2-229, Sharpless 229
- Type
- emission nebula
- Constellation
- Auriga
- Size
- 37′ across
- Brightness
- Magnitude 6
- Distance
- about 1,500 light-years
- Peak month (any location)
- Dec
- Typical prime months
- Sep to Feb
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Filter
- Dual-band / UHC for the red glow; no filter for the blue reflection around the star
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How to image Flaming Star Nebula
- It is about 37 arcminutes across; use 400 to 800 mm.
- A dual-band filter lifts the red parts; shoot without one for the blue reflection.
- It is high on winter evenings, near M36, M37 and M38.
Framing: what focal length?
The focal length at which IC 405 spans about 60% of the long side of the sensor, leaving room around it. Treat it as a starting point; the right framing is a matter of taste.
| Sensor | Focal length |
|---|---|
| 1-inch sensor (13.2 mm) | about 740 mm |
| APS-C (23.5 mm) | about 1310 mm |
| Full frame (36 mm) | about 2010 mm |
How high does it climb from your latitude?
The highest point IC 405 reaches in the sky. Above about 60° is excellent, 30° to 60° is workable, and under 30° you are looking through a lot of air.
| Latitude | Highest point | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 55°N (Scotland, Alaska) | 69° | High in the sky |
| 45°N (Minneapolis, Milan) | 79° | High in the sky |
| 35°N (Los Angeles, Tokyo) | 89° | High in the sky |
| 25°N (Miami, Cairo) | 81° | High in the sky |
| 35°S (Sydney, Santiago) | 21° | Stays low |
Also worth imaging
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