Bond's Star

An unusually bright OB star located in the heart of the M43 emission nebula, part of the larger Orion Nebula, Bond's Star is creating a matter-bound Strömgren sphere.

The star is actually ionizing the gas near it, making an orb-shaped area of glowing hydrogen gas. Its size is governed by the density of both the gas and dust surrounding the star.

The star is also known as Nu Orionis and near it lies a dense concentration of neutral material known as the Orion's Ridge. It is this combination of dust - mixed with gases - that make for a well balanced area of star formation.