Nebula

IC4603/4604: Light and Shadows

IC4603 and 4604 are prominent reflection nebula located within the magnificent Rho Ophiuchi complex. This is a major star forming region, and the combination of the numerous dense dust clouds and bright reflections creates a spectacular vista of light and shadow.

Interestingly, the dense dust clouds block a lot of the usual background star field, and the stars that are visible are predominately dimmer and have a red hue. This may be from extinction from the intervening dust or they may be younger T Tauri stars. T Tauri stars have only recently formed and are a lower temperature giving them their strong red hue.