The Flame Nebula and the Horsehead Nebula (NGC 2024 and IC 434) form one of the most recognizable star-forming regions in Orion.
On the left is the Flame, where dense clouds of dust are illuminated by the harsh radiation of a nearby star. As its light pushes through the surrounding hydrogen, the nebula takes on the appearance of rising tongues of fire.
Just above it lies the Horsehead — a thick column of dust casting a stark silhouette against the glowing red hydrogen behind it.
Alnitak at the center draws the eye and floods the frame with its light. But higher to the right lies σ Orionis — it is her harsh radiation that ignites the surrounding space, making the cold gas glow and the darkness appear even deeper.
| Camera | ZWO ASI2600MC |
| Optics | Askar 103 APO |
| Mount | UMi 17S |
| Gain | 0 |
| Sensor Temperature | –10 °C |
| F-ratio | f/5.6 |
| Exposure | 163 × 180 s |
| Total Integration | 3.7 h |
| Processing | Siril, GraXpert, GIMP |
