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 31st December, 2015 & 12th January, 2016.
17x 6 minute exposures at ISO400.
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?
- 12 January 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.