| Object type: | Dark Cloud Nebula |
|---|---|
| Distance from Earth: | 1,100 light years 350 parsecs |
The Horsehead nebula is a dark dust cloud which lies in front of the emission nebula IC434. The dust cloud is colliding with the emission nebula. Some astronomers theorize that this may be the first stage in the formation of stars. The Horsehead was used by American astronomers in 1918 as the first proof that dark nebulae are not simply devoid of stars.
ngc2024a.jpg Photo by Jason Ware.