The primary component of this ΓÇ£double starΓÇ¥ illuminates the surrounding gas and dust, creating what is known as a reflection nebula. If there were no material surrounding the star, it would appear as a point, like most stars. In the nebulaΓÇÖs darker regions gas and dust block our view of the reflection nebula. Although Rho Oph does not appear particularly luminous, it is over 200 times brighter than our Sun, and three to four times as massive.
