Alnitak, Alnilam, Mintaka . ... Credit Copyright: Rogelio Bernal Andreo (Deep Sky Colors) Explanation: Alnitak , Alnilam , and Mintaka , are the bright bluish stars from east to west (lower right to upper left) along the diagonal in this gorgeous cosmic vista. ... In fact, clouds of gas and dust adrift in this region have intriguing and some surprisingly familiar shapes, including the dark Horsehead Nebula and Flame Nebula near Alnitak at the lower right. ... NASA Official: Jay Norris. ...