Nebulae
The Orion Nebula
The Orion Nebula (Messier 42), the nearest region of massive star formation, 1,344 light-years away – photographed by Pete Lawrence.
Target details
The Orion Nebula (Messier 42) lies just south of Orion's Belt, about 1,344 light-years away. It's one of the brightest nebulae in the sky, visible to the naked eye, and the closest region of massive star formation to Earth. That makes it one of the most photographed and studied objects in the night sky, and it has taught astronomers a great deal about how stars and planetary systems form from collapsing clouds of gas and dust.
Capture details
Data captured 27th December, 2016.
54x 2 minute exposures at ISO40.
Equipment details
Orion Europa 200
NEQ6 Pro
Nikon d7100
Skywatcher
ST-80 QHY5L-II
Processing details
This image was processed in Pixinsight & Lightroom.
Quick facts
- What is The Orion Nebula?
- The Orion Nebula (Messier 42) lies just south of Orion's Belt, about 1,344 light-years away. It's one of the brightest nebulae in the sky, visible to the naked eye, and the closest region of massive star formation to Earth.
- Where is it in the sky?
- In the constellation Orion.
- What are its catalogue names?
- M42
- When was this photo taken?
- 27 December 2016
- What equipment was used?
- Orion Europa 200, NEQ6 Pro, Nikon d7100, Skywatcher, ST-80 QHY5L-II
- Where was it taken from?
- Lisburn, Northern Ireland.