The Flame Nebula, also known as NGC 2024, is a stellar nursery located about 1,500 light years from our solar system. The nebula is a region of star formation that is in the process of forming a star cluster. The Flame Nebula is visible through small telescopes. It is located in the constellation of Orion near the star known as Alnitak, the easternmost star of Orion's Belt.
This near-infrared image reveals the embedded star cluster which is forming inside the nebula. The longer wavelengths used can see easily through the dust. Redder looking stars in the image are more heavily embedded within the nebula than the bluer stars (many of which are in the foreground). The cluster is thought to be less than one million years old.
This false-color near-infrared image was captured using the Palomar Observatory's 200-inch (5.1-meter) Hale Telescope with its Wide-field Infrared Camera.
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