NGC 1999 is a dust-filled bright nebula with a vast hole of empty space represented by a black patch of sky, as can be seen in the photograph. It is a reflection nebula, and shines from the light of the variable star V380 Orionis.

Constellation: Orion

Apparent dimensions (V): 1.5 arcmins

Radius: ~0.3 ly

Distance: 1,500 ly