Celestial hemisphere:  Southern  ·  Constellation: Chamaeleon (Cha)
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IC 2631, Alan Karty
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IC 2631

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IC 2631, Alan Karty
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IC 2631

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Description

IC 2631 is a reflection nebula, a dust cloud that reflects light from a nearby star into space, creating a stunning light show.

This object is the brightest nebula in the Chamaeleon Complex, a large region of gas and dust clouds that harbors numerous newborn and still-forming stars.

The complex is located in the southern constellation Chamaeleon, approximately 500 light-years away.

IC 2631 is illuminated by a very young star known as HD 97300.

Despite its dominating presence, the heft of HD 97300 should be kept in perspective. It is a T Tauri star, the youngest visible stage for relatively small stars. As these stars mature and reach adulthood they will lose mass and shrink.

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IC 2631, Alan Karty