AAO image reference AAT 36. « Previous || Next »
Top is W left is N. Image width is about 31 arc min
Image and text © 1984-2002, Anglo-Australian Observatory, photograph by David Malin.
This curious dark nebula is one of the best-known images in astronomy, probably because of its chance likeness to a recognisable form. The horse-head shape is an extension of a large cloud of dust which fills the lower part (east) of the picture and hides the light of stars beyond. The outer surface of the dusty gas (IC 434) runs roughly north-south and is illuminated by sigma Orionis (off the top of the picture) which causes the hydrogen there to fluoresce, outlining the horse-head shape. Though conspicuous here, the Horsehead is very difficult to see visualy, even with a large telescope. A bright star is partially enveloped in the dust cloud and its scattered light is seen as the large, irregular blue reflection nebula, NGC 2023. All these objects are about 1350 light years distant.
Entry from NGC 2000.0 (R.W. Sinnott, Ed.) © Sky Publishing Corporation, 1988:
IC 434Nb 05 41.0 -02 24 s Ori 60.neb, 60' l, south from zeta Ori NGC 2023 Nb 05 41.6 -02 14 s Ori 10.B* in M of L, lE nebRelated Images
AAT 36a. The Horsehead Nebula and NGC 2023 (landscape format, wide field)
UKS 1. The Horsehead Nebula and NGC 2024 in Orion
UKS 23. Faint nebulosity near Orion and Horsehead Nebulae
For details of photographic exposure, search technical table by AAT reference number
Image availability: Photo Print