Rippling Flames Nebula

I was fortunate to experience four consecutive clear nights at a star party under Bortle 1 skies in the Southern Australian desert near Nhill, Victoria.

This is one of three images from that event. Amazing skies, best star party I’ve ever been to!

About this Nebula

Lurking around the Southern Celestial Pole are these dark clouds and bright reflection nebulae. These are telltale signs of young stars and active star formation. They lie a mere 650 light-years away. Regions with young stars were identified as dusty reflection nebulae from the 1946 Cederblad catalogue. The Rippling flames nebula seen here is the central portion of the Chameleon molecular cloud complex. The Irregular galaxy ic 3104 can be seen lurking in the background, partially hidden by clouds top right of the frame.