The Flame Nebula

Object: NGC 2024

Type: Nebula

Distance: 1300 light years

Constellation: Orion

Date: 28 January 2006
Equipment: SXV-H9, Vixen 114mm f5.3 ED refractor

Subframes: 15 x 180 second, unguided, no darks or flats.

Apparently this object is part of the same molecular cloud that encompasses the M78 complex (see previous post), which is some 2 degrees to the northeast. I recently reprocessed these subs in AstroArt 4 and I think they have scrubbed up quite well, even without the benefit of a flat frame.

This object has been saddled with several names, some of them quite inappropriate for its delicate beauty. Some US (who else?) astromoners have called this the "Burning Bush Nebula" (clumsy, but at least understandable), the "Lips Nebula" (ugh!) or even the "Tank Track Nebula" (good grief...).

"Flame Nebula" is just fine for me...