Flaming Star Nebula
Emission nebula

Flaming Star Nebula

C 31 · Auriga
These photons are ~1,500 years old
UV/IR
Date
2026-03-11
Location
54.4356° N, 0.7665° W
Integration
2m (12 × 10s)
Software
ZWO Seestar app
Notes
—
Plate solve
Centre RA
5h 16m 26.2s
Centre Dec
+34° 19′ 15″
Field
42.8′ × 76.0′
Pixel scale
1.19″/px
Orientation
-139.4° E of N
TelescopeZWO Seestar S50
CameraZWO Seestar S50 Camera
RigFamily Holiday Rig
Captured from · United Kingdom
54.4356° N, 0.7665° W · open map ↗

Where to find it

Interactive sky chart centred on 5 16 26.2 +34 19 15, with constellation stick figures overlaid. Locate shows the whole constellation with the target ringed; Field zooms to the close-up. Drag to pan, scroll to zoom, click any star to identify it. Imagery: DSS colour survey via CDS Aladin Lite. Constellation figures © Dominic Ford (GPLv3).

A complex of emission and reflection nebulosity surrounding the rapidly moving runaway star AE Aurigae. The chaotic filamentary structure makes it a superb narrowband target; often framed with nearby IC 410 and IC 417.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of object is C 31?
C 31 is an emission nebula.
Which constellation is C 31 in?
C 31 lies in the constellation Auriga.
How far away is C 31?
The light in this image left C 31 roughly ~1,500 years ago, so that is how far back in time you are seeing it.
What are the coordinates of C 31?
C 31 sits at right ascension 05h 16m 26s and declination +34° 19′ 15″ (J2000).
When is the best time to photograph C 31?
C 31 rides highest in the evening sky around December, reaching about 71° above the horizon from around 54°N.
What equipment was used to photograph C 31?
This image of C 31 was captured with ZWO Seestar S50 and ZWO Seestar S50 Camera.
How much exposure time went into this image?
This image of C 31 represents 2m (12 × 10s) of total integration time.