IC417 The Spider and the Fly

The Spider and The Fly Nebula

IC 417 (also known as Sh2-234) is an emission nebula of almost 100 light-years across. It is located some 10,000 light-years away from Earth in the constellation of Auriga (the Charioteer). It is often referred to as the Spider Nebula and its prey is a nearby emission nebula called the Fly (NGC 1931).
The nebula contains a young open cluster of stars, and is energized by its hot, massive blue stars which are still embedded in glowing hydrogen gas. I hope you enjoy this massive star forming region.