The Horsehead Nebula (Barnard 33) is a dark nebula located in the constellation Orion, approximately 1,375 light-years from Earth. The nebula blocks the light from the background IC 434 emission nebula, forming a distinctive silhouette that resembles a horse's head, from which it gets its name.

The Flame Nebula (NGC 2024) is an emission nebula in Orion, about 1,350 light-years from Earth. Its glow primarily comes from the ultraviolet radiation of Alnitak, which excites the hydrogen gas within the nebula, causing it to emit a reddish glow. The nebula contains large amounts of dust and gas, creating dark streaks that give the appearance of flames burning, which is the origin of its name.

The Horsehead Nebula and the Flame Nebula are located near Alnitak, one of the stars in Orion’s Belt, and are both part of the Orion Molecular Cloud Complex.