IC 405, also designated as Sh2-229, is known as the Flaming Star Nebula in Orion. The bright star at the bottom of the image is thought to have originated in the region of Orion’s belt. It is ionizing the large hydrogen cloud in this region of Auriga, causing it to glow with the red light of hydrogen-alpha emissions. Fierce stellar winds from the star are sculpting the hydrogen cloud into interesting shapes. The star is also illuminating blue reflection nebulae. The nebula lies about 1,500 light-years from Earth.

Exposures: Ha:R:G:B = 525:35:35:35 minutes = 10 hours, 30 minutes total exposure, completely unguided.