Reflection Nebula NGC 1999 in the Constellation Orion

Reflection Nebula NGC 1999 in the Constellation Orion
The bright, young star left of center gives NGC 1999 its brightness. (Image credit: NASA and The Hubble Heritage Team (STScI))

Reflection nebulae do not emit light on their own. They shine because of a light source embedded within, like a street lamp illuminates fog. The bright, young star left of center gives NGC 1999 its brightness. The gas and dust of the nebula is left over from the star's formation.

Space.com Staff
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