NGC 1999 :: Orion Nebula

Highly Enigmatic......South of the large star-forming region known as the Orion Nebula, lies bright blue reflection nebula NGC 1999. 

At the edge of the Orion molecular cloud complex some 1,500 light-years distant, NGC 1999's illumination is provided by the embedded variable star V380 Orionis. 

That nebula is marked with a dark sideways T-shape near center in this cosmic vista that spans about 10 light-years.

The dark shape was once assumed to be an obscuring dust cloud seen in silhouette against the bright reflection nebula. But recent infrared images indicate the shape is likely a hole blown through the nebula itself by energetic young stars. In fact, this region abounds with energetic young stars producing jets and outflows with luminous shock waves.