Photograph
Flaming Star Nebula
The Flaming Star Nebula amid clouds of glowing gas and dark cosmic dust.
Beyond the frame
At first glance, the entire nebula appears to glow in the same way, yet it actually reveals two different physical processes. The reddish regions emit their own light after being energized by the star AE Aurigae, while the bluish filaments simply reflect its light. This interplay between emission and reflection is what gives the Flaming Star Nebula its distinctive appearance.