APOD 2.6

This image depicts the Flame Nebula, a stunning formation that is lit by the nearby star Alnitak, in Orion's belt. The star is a blue supergiant, one of the most incredible types of stars in existence. With a radius greater than our solar system and a temperature far exceeding that of our sun, the energy emanating from this object is simply astounding. If this star were not several hundred parsecs away, it would easily be one of the brightest stars in the night sky.