English: This VISTA image shows the spectacular star-forming region known as the Flame Nebula, or NGC 2024, in the constellation of
Orion (the Hunter) and its surroundings. In views of this evocative object in visible light the core of the
nebula is completely hidden behind obscuring
dust, but in this VISTA view, taken in
infra-red light, the cluster of very young
stars at the object’s heart is revealed. The wide-field VISTA view also includes the glow of the reflection nebula
NGC 2023, just below centre, and the ghostly outline of the
Horsehead Nebula (Barnard 33) towards the lower right. The bright bluish star towards the right is one of the three bright stars forming the Belt of Orion. The image was created from VISTA images taken through J, H and Ks filters in the near-infrared part of the spectrum. The image shows the full area of the VISTA field and is one degree by 1.5 degrees in extent. The total exposure time was 14 minutes.
Français : Image obtenue par le télescope
VISTA montrant la
Nébuleuse de la flamme (ou NGC 2024), une région de formation d'étoiles dans la constellation d'
Orion et ses environs. En visible, le cœur de la nébuleuse est masqué par des nuages de poussière. Dans cette vue infrarouge un groupe de très jeunes étoiles en train de se former est visible. L'étoile brillante bleue sur la droite est l'une des trois étoiles de la ceinture d'Orion. Image prise dans le proche infrarouge (filtres J, H et K) et couvrant une surface de 1 par 1,5 degrés. Temps d'exposition : 14 minutes.
Italiano: La regione di
formazione stellare nota come
Nebulosa Fiamma, una
nebulosa a emissione visibile nella
costellazione di
Orione. Nella foto sono evidenziate anche le nebulose
Testa di Cavallo ed
NGC 2023, e la stella
Alnitak, una delle tre stelle che costituiscono la
Cintura di Orione. L'immagine è stata creata elaborando una serie di foto scattate dal telescopio VISTA nelle bande dell'infrarosso vicino (filtri J, H e Ks, campo di visione: 1° per 1,5° gradi, tempo di esposizione: 14 minuti)