Molecular Cloud Barnard 163 . ... In the center of the above image lies Barnard 163, a nebula of molecular gas and dust so thick that visible light can't shine through it. ... The red glow in the background results from IC 1396, a large emission nebula that houses the Elephant's Trunk Nebula . Finding Barnard 163 in an image of its greater emission nebula IC 1396 can be a challenge, but it's possible. ... NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers . NASA Official: Jay Norris. ...