It is one of the brightest nebulae and is visible to the naked eye in the night sky with an apparent magnitude of 4.0. It is 1,344 ± 20 light-years (412.1 ± 6.1 pc) away [3] [6] and is the closest region of massive star formation to Earth. M42 is estimated to be 25 light-years across (so its apparent size from Earth is approximately 1 degree).

Mar 29, 2025 · Believed to be the cosmic fire of creation by the Maya of Mesoamerica, M42 blazes brightly in the constellation Orion. Popularly called the Orion Nebula, this stellar nursery has been known to many different cultures throughout human history.

The Orion Nebula is one of the brightest emission nebulae in the night sky, second only to the far-southern object NGC 3372, the Eta Carinae Nebula. At a declination of -5 degrees, M42 is well-placed for observers in both hemispheres.

Unlike many of the faint deep sky nebulae in the night sky, the bright Orion Nebula offers an impressive view for backyard stargazers in the city. I often take a look at M42 using a pair of 15 x 75 binoculars.

The Orion Nebula (M42) is a diffuse nebula located in the constellation Orion. It was discovered by Nicholas-Claude Fabri de Peiresc in 1610 and later cataloged by Charles Messier in 1769. M42 is one of the brightest nebulae in the sky and can be seen with the naked eye.

Orion Nebula facts, including what it is, how to see it and when the nebula is best-placed for observing in the night sky.

Feb 28, 2014 · The nebula we call M42 is a luminous “blister” about 25 light-years wide on the side of the Orion Molecular Cloud facing us. In technical terms, M42 is an emission nebula. It’s being energized by a quartet of hot young stars, called the …

Dec 15, 2024 · But the Orion Nebula is in a class nearly all by itself. It’s visible to the unaided eye on a dark, moonless night. To me, it looks like a star encased in a globe of luminescent fog.

The Orion Nebula (aka Messier 42, M42)) is a diffuse nebula situated south of Orion's Belt in the constellation of Orion. It is one of the brightest night sky objects and is visible to the naked eye, even in a light polluted sky, as the "middle star" of the sword which hangs from Orion's belt.

Mar 2, 2024 · The Orion Nebula (M42) is a surprisingly not-so-simple to shoot or process nebula. Working on it was both challenging and rewarding.