M42 (The Orion Nebula),
Constellation - Orion
Distance - approximately 1,600 light years.
The Orion Nebula [the lower
pink-colored nebulosity] is very recognizable and is a favorite
photographic object among photographers because of its colors as well
as its brightness. The illuminated portion of M42 shown in this
photograph is approximately 30 light years across. M42 is
believed to be an area where stars are currently forming within the
nebulosity's dust and gas. Interestingly, the Orion Nebula is
not mentioned in any known ancient or medieval records. It is
believed to have been first reported in 1610 by Nicholas Pieresc. M42 is an emission nebula which is caused to glow by
high energy ultra-violet radiation from massive luminous stars. The
Orion Nebula is just a small illuminated area on a much more massive cloud of
hydrogen gas that spans the entire Orion Nebula. M43 is the bright area
at the top right of M42.
The emission and reflection nebula complex of NGC 1973-75-77, which lies
directly above the Orion Nebula, is often overlooked because of its proximity
to the Orion Nebula. However this is a very beautiful object in its own
right. I also have a close-up CCD image of the NGC 1973-75-77 complex that can
be seen by following this link - NGC 1977. The star cluster NGC 1980 is located at the bottom of this photo and
NGC 1981 is the star cluster located at the top of this photo. The NGC
objects and the Messier objects in this photo comprise the "sword"
hanging from Orion's belt.
