Reflection Nebula IC426

[IC426] Reflection Nebula IC426

Downloadable versions (see NOAO Conditions of Use):
500 x 181 77 KB color JPG(on this page)
1000 x 362 183 KB color JPG
2000 x 724 306 KB color JPG
4000 x 1447 780 KB color JPG
8295 x 3000 3.67 MB color JPG
8295 x 3000 43.49 MB color TIFF

IC 426 is a reflection nebula in the constellation of Orion. Reflection nebulae often look a ghostly bluish color because they reflect scattered light from bright stars nearby (the red light is absorbed by dust in the nebula). Mintaka, the westernmost star in the belt of Orion, is thought to be the star illuminating IC 426.

Minimum credit line: T. A. Rector/University of Alaska Anchorage, H. Schweiker/WIYN and NOAO/AURA/NSF (for details see Conditions of Use)

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