The Horsehead Nebula and NGC 2024.
Caption: This well-known dark nebula is one of the best-known images in astronomy, probably because of its chance likeness to the head of a horse. The distinctive outline is an extension of a substantial cloud of dark obscuring material filling the lower part of the picture; it hides the light of stars beyond. The outer surface of the dusty gas is illuminated by a bright star off the top of the picture which causes the gas there to glow, silhouetting the horsehead shape. A bright star is partially enveloped in the dust cloud and its scattered light is seen as a blue reflection nebula.
Copyright: (c) 1984 Anglo-Australian Telescope Board, photograph by David Malin
Credit: D. F. Malin