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Messier 78 |
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 | M78 is part of the Orion complex, a large region of star-forming gas and dust centred around M42 and M43. It is the brightest diffuse reflection nebula in the sky, and fairly easy to see with binoculars (and almost visible to the naked eye, claim some observers). M78 is some 1600 light-years away and around 4 light-years across. In a 8" scope, at 81x, it appears as a wide double star system with some background nebulosity. The two sides of the nebula closest to the stars are squared off. |
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| You can find more information about this Messier object by visiting: SEDS - The Messier Catalog. |
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M78 NGC 2068 Other description: Reflection nebula bright. Constellation: Orion Dreyer description: Bright, large, wisp, gradually much brighter nucleus, 3 stars involved, resolvable, but mottled; = M78. Magnitude: 8.0 RA: 05h 46m 53.6s Dec: +00°03'07" RA: 05h 46m 42.0s Dec: +00°03'00" (Epoch 2000) Azm: 125°19'58" Alt: +29°00'14" Rise: 06:30 Transit: 12:32 Set: 18:35 Size: 8.0' |