This magnificent reflection nebula NGC 2023 lies 1500 light-years from Earth, close to the well-known Flame and Horsehead Nebulae. NGC 2023 surrounds a massive young B-type star, whose light illuminates the nebula, resulting in its high surface brightness. The star itself lies outside the field of view, at the upper left, with its brilliant light is scattered by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope’s optical system, creating the bright flare on the left. See http://spacetelescope.org/images/potw1130a/
