The energetic ultraviolet light emitted by the central O-type star IRS 2b into the Flame Nebula causes the gas to be excited and heated.

The glow of the nebula results from the energy input from this central star.

[7] X-ray and infrared images indicate that the young stars are concentrated near the center of the cluster.

[8][9] The Flame Nebula was observed with ALMA and this study found two populations, which are separated by a molecular cloud.

The western population is slightly older at 1 Myr and has a lower disk fraction of 15±4%.