Astronomy Picture of the Day . AE Aurigae: The Flaming Star . ... Is star AE Aurigae on fire? Although surrounded by what may look like smoke, the object known as the "flaming star" creates energy primarily by nuclear fusion, like other stars. ... Dueling Auroras . ... Will it be curtains for one of these auroras? A quick inspection indicates that it is curtains for both, as the designation "curtains" well categorizes the type of aurora pattern pictured. ... Ancient Layered Rocks on Mars . ...