The Flaming Star Nebula
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This is IC 405 (also known as Sharpless 229) in the constellation Auriga, around 1,500 light-years from Earth.

This dramatic deep-sky object is shaped by the powerful radiation of AE Aurigae - a massive runaway star speeding through a cloud of gas and dust. As it moves, its intense UV light causes hydrogen to glow in deep red H-alpha while surrounding dust reflects blue starlight, creating the nebula’s iconic flame-like appearance.

A rare combination of emission and reflection nebula, Sh2-229 reveals fine filaments, turbulent structures, and shock fronts carved into the interstellar medium. Long exposures bring out the delicate details hidden within this dynamic star-forming region of the winter sky.

Captured from deep space to your screen - a reminder that even the cosmos is shaped by motion.

Scope: Askar 103APO
Lens: Askar 0.6x Reducer
Camera: ZWO ASI 294MC Pro
Filter: Antlia Tri-Band RGB Ultra
Mount: SkyWatcher AZ-EQ5-GT
Guiding: SkyWatcher Evoguide 50ED with ZWO ASI 224MC
Controller: ZWO ASIAir Pro
Focusser: ZWO EAF

Integration time: 7hrs 20min

Full version and print available at:
https://adfr.io/astro/20260111_sh2-229/

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