IC 405 is an emission and reflection nebula, meaning that while some light is emitted from the glowing nebulous gas, the nebula is also reflecting light from nearby stars. The star that illuminates the central part of the nebula did not originate here, but is believed to have traveled to this location from the vicinity of Orion’s belt. It is called the Flaming Star Nebula because of the wispy filaments that resemble smoke from a burning fire.
