Celestial hemisphere:  Southern  ·  Constellation: Orion (Ori)  ·  Contains:  Great Nebula in Orion  ·  M 42  ·  M 43  ·  NGC 1973  ·  NGC 1975  ·  NGC 1976  ·  NGC 1977  ·  NGC 1980  ·  NGC 1982  ·  The star 42Ori  ·  The star 45Ori  ·  The star θ1Ori  ·  The star θ2Ori  ·  The star ιOri
Messier 42 - M42 - The Great Orion Nebula, Lee Harris
Messier 42 - M42 - The Great Orion Nebula
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Messier 42 - M42 - The Great Orion Nebula

Messier 42 - M42 - The Great Orion Nebula, Lee Harris
Messier 42 - M42 - The Great Orion Nebula
Powered byPixInsight

Messier 42 - M42 - The Great Orion Nebula

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Messier 42 - M42 - The Great Orion Nebula

M42, also known as the Great Orion Nebula or Orion Nebula, is the prime deep sky attraction in the constellation of Orion and a showpiece deep sky object. With an apparent magnitude of +4.0, it's easily visible to the naked eye. This emission / reflection nebula and star forming region spans more than a degree of sky and is therefore one of the largest and brightest objects of its type.

Orion is a prominent constellation and one of the most recognizable and familiar sights. Located on the celestial equator, it's visible throughout the World and best seen during the months of December, January and February. The constellation is filled with bright stars, including first magnitude Rigel and Betelgeuse plus a further five second magnitude stars. Three of the second magnitude stars (Mintaka, Alnilam and Alnitak) form the famous belt of Orion. Positioned just 5 degrees south of the belt is the Orion Nebula itself, which is part of the Hunters Sword.

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Messier 42 - M42 - The Great Orion Nebula, Lee Harris