Three or four years ago after just starting my astrophotography journey, I saw an image of M78 here on Astrobin and was drawn to the stunning contrast of M78's beautiful rainbow reflection and silky black dark nebulae. While reading about M78 on Wikipedia I discovered that it was the home of Ultraman - as a youngster I was rabid Saturday morning fan of Godzilla and Ultraman movies. I have been waiting four years to be able to capture this target. According to a
YouTube Ultraman intro Nebula M78 is "The Land of Light."
Ultraman - Created in 1966 by the “Father of Tokusatsu,” Eiji Tsuburaya, the Ultraman Series has remained one of the world’s foremost and enduring science-fiction properties for over five decades. Though there are dozens of iterations and interpretations, one core truth remains the same: A Giant of Light from a far-off galaxy has come to Earth, not to rule or conquer, but to guide humanity in various ways, as well as to bond with a human host and act as a final guardian against the endless tides of giant monsters and aliens (collectively called Kaiju) that would threaten our world. (
Ultraman Wiki)
Messier 78 - Interstellar dust clouds and bright nebulae abound in the fertile constellation of Orion. One of the brightest, M78, is just below center in this sharp widefield view, covering an area north of Orion's belt. At a distance of about 1,500 light-years, the bluish nebula itself is about 5 light-years across. Its blue tint is due to dust preferentially reflecting the blue light of hot, young stars in the region. Dark dust lanes and other nebulae can easily be traced through this gorgeous skyscape that also includes the remarkable
McNeil's Nebula -- a newly recognized nebula associated with the formation of a sun-like star. (
NASA APOD)
CS & GB to all.
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