SUNSET: 
0
Photographer:
Ad Astra, BPHC
Location of Photo:
Hyderabad, India
Date/Time of photo:
January 31st, 2025
Equipment:
Celestron CPC 925 GPS
Description:
The Flame Nebula, also known as NGC 2024 and Sh2-277, is a stunning emission nebula located approximately 1,350-1,400 light-years away in the constellation Orion. Part of the larger Orion Molecular Cloud Complex, this nebula spans about 12 light-years in width and is renowned for its striking appearance. At its core lies a young cluster of over 800 stars, mostly hidden from view due to dense gas and dust. The nebula's distinctive glow is produced by the energetic ultraviolet light emitted from a central O-type star, IRS 2b, which excites and heats the surrounding gas.
