IC 2162

These glowing clouds of gas have young and bright stars in their centers which cause the gas to emit red light. Cool gas and dust in these clouds also cause the dark lanes and filaments by blocking background sources of light. These relatively small clouds are located in the constellation of Orion (but closer to the border of Gemini) towards the outer spiral arm of our galaxy. Note the large diffuse nebula on the right edge of the image.

This image was taken as part of Advanced Observing Program (AOP) program at Kitt Peak Visitor Center during 2014.