The Orion Nebula (also known as Messier 42, M42, or NGC 1976) is a diffuse nebula in the Milky Way situated south of Orion's Belt in the constellation of Orion, [b] and is known as the middle "star" in the "sword" of Orion.

Messier 43 or M43, also known as De Mairan's Nebula and NGC 1982, is a star-forming nebula with a prominent H II region in the equatorial constellation of Orion. It was discovered by the French scientist Jean-Jacques d'Ortous de Mairan some time before 1731, [3] then catalogued by Charles Messier in 1769.

The Great Orion Nebula, comprised of M42 and M43, with the Trapezium near the center. Because of its high dynamic range, the Great Orion Nebula is difficult to capture with a single exposure duration.

Jan 15, 2025 · Separated from the Orion Nebula (M42) by only a dark lane of dust, M43 was recognized as a distinct nebula by the French astronomer Jean-Jacques d’Ortous de Mairan in 1731. A massive star is illuminating M43 and sculpting its …

Both M42 and M43 are emission nebulae, with their light emitted from atoms being excited by the high-energy radiation of massive, very hot young stars within them. Wisps of the Orion Molecular Cloud in the neighborhood of M42 and M43 constitute the fainter reflection nebulae elements.

Although initially cataloged as separate objects, contemporary images clearly show that M42 and M43 belong to the same nebula, partially obscured by a band of dark dust. M42 and M43 are themselves part of a giant molecular cloud that spans much of …

Jun 30, 2020 · The Orion Nebula (M42/M43, NGC1976/1982) This picture shows the great nebula in the constellation of Orion the Hunter. On a good clear night, from a dark site well away from the lights of modern civilization, this glowing cloud of gas and dust can be seen with the naked eye as a fuzzy patch surrounding the star Theta Orionis in the Hunter's ...

Dec 12, 2012 · The Orion Nebula complex consisting of M42, M43 and the reflection nebula area known as the Running Man Nebula, NGC 1973-5-7. NGC 1981 is the blue star cluster at top north edge. North is up, though in the sky from Australia where this was shot the object appeared upside down compared to this northern-centric view.…

Dec 12, 2004 · Orion is one of the most prominent constellations in the sky, and where to find M42/43 is no secret in the amateur community - in the sword of Orion, south of the hunter's belt. It is readily visible to the naked eye, and a 7x50 finderscope will easily show the nebula, with two bright stars embedded.

Dec 19, 2009 · The Orion Nebula (M-42 and M-43; aka NGC 1976) is one of the brightest emission nebulae (gas cloud shining by its own light) to be found in the sky. It can be seen with the un-aided eye as a fuzzy star in the sword region of Orion, and even small binoculars reveals its nebulous nature.