This is an H-alpha narrowband image of IC405 and IC410 nebulae in Auriga.
IC405 is also known as the Flaming Star Nebula (SH 2-229, or Caldwell 31) is an emission/reflection nebula). IC410 is famous for the “tad poles” visible in it upon closer inspection. Embedded inside IC410 is NGC 1893 an open star cluster. All can be found in the constellation Auriga.
While they appear side by side from our perspective here on Earth, IC405 (top right) is approximately 1500 light years distance, while IC410 (bottom) is approximately 12,000 light years away.
IC405 contains the famous star AE Aurigae. This is classified as a “runaway” star, and is believed to have been ejected from the Trapezium in the Orion Nebula after a collision about 2 million years ago.
IC410’s cloud of glowing gas is sculpted by stellar winds and radiation from the open star cluster NGC 1893 at it’s center. This star cluster is about 4 million years old.
Technical:
- Canon 200mm F2.8 L lens
- QHY8L CCD camera and a Baader 7nm H-alpha filter.
- Skywatcher EQ6 mount
- Nebulosity for acquisition. PHD and Orion autoguider for tracking.
- Total time 100mins. Processed in PS.
As always thanks for reading and #clearskies!

My story began more than 40 years ago looking up at the Moon with a small collapsible telescope my Father had. Encouraged by my parents, who bought me my very own telescope, a 4.5″ reflector, I began to explore the night sky from my family home backyard. Today I do astrophotography from my home in Kitchener, Ontario and also with remote telescopes located in New Mexico and Australia. Some of my images have won awards and have been featured online and in magazines.
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