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. 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.

Orion's Belt and nebulosity, including the Flame Nebula (left) and Horsehead Nebula (lower left) named after a relatively small dark cloud, rotated 90° somewhat resembling a seahorse Observation data

2024年9月10日 · The nebula is only 1,500 light-years away, making it the closest large star-forming region to Earth and giving it a relatively bright apparent magnitude of 4. Because of its brightness and prominent location just below Orion’s belt, M42 can be spotted with the naked eye, while offering an excellent peek at stellar birth for those with telescopes.

2023年1月6日 · Below the three bright stars of Orion’s belt lies his sword, where you can find the famous Orion Nebula. The nebula is only 1,300 light-years away, making it the closest large star-forming region to Earth. Because of its brightness and prominent location just below Orion’s belt, you can even spot the Orion Nebula from Earth!

2023年1月1日 · The area around Orion’s Belt stars is populated by several nebulae. Alnitak, the easternmost star of Orion’s Belt, ionizes the Flame Nebula (NGC 2024), an emission nebula located approximately 1,350 light-years away. The nebula has an apparent magnitude of 10.

2024年11月1日 · Orion Nebula sits at the tip of Orion’s sword, hanging below Orion’s Belt. Stargazers locate the Belt by finding three stars: Alnitak, Alnilam, and Mintaka. Dark locations with clear skies enhance visibility. Binoculars or telescopes reveal details. Viewing occurs from December to February, around 9-11 PM in the southwestern sky.

The Horsehead Nebula, Flame Nebula, and Orion Nebula lie very close to Orion’s Belt in the night sky from our perspective on Earth. The Horsehead Nebula is located just below Alnitak, and the Flame Nebula is directly next to it.

Orion’s Belt is the most striking feature of the formation, 3 bright stars in a row that create an imperfect line. The intensely red star at the upper left of Orion should also stand out. Betelgeuse is a red supergiant and one of the largest stars visible to the naked eye.

2024年12月15日 · The Orion Nebula is one of the most familiar celestial objects, easily visible to the unaided eye below the 3 stars of Orion’s Belt. But it’s a vast stellar nursery, a place where new stars...

2023年12月1日 · 1,500 light years away from Earth sits the star-forming region, and crown jewel of Orion – Messier 42 (M42), the Orion Nebula. Part of the “sword” of Orion, this 24 light year wide cloud of dust and gas sits below the first star in Orion’s Belt, Alnitak, and can easily be spotted with the naked eye under moderate dark skies.