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Orion Nebula
Diffuse nebula
Orion Nebula - Hubble 2006 mosaic 18000.jpg
The entire Orion Nebula in a composite image of visible light and infrared
Observation data: J2000 epoch
SubtypeReflection/Emission
Right ascension 05h 35m 17.3s
Declination−05° 23′ 28″
Distance1,344±20 ly   (412 pc)
Apparent magnitude (V)+4.0
Apparent dimensions (V)65×60 arcmins
ConstellationOrion
Physical characteristics
Radius12 ly
Absolute magnitude (V)
Notable featuresTrapezium cluster
DesignationsNGC 1976, M42,
LBN 974, Sharpless 281

The Orion Nebula (also known as Messier 42, M42, or NGC 1976) is a diffuse nebula situated in the Milky Way, being south of Orion's Belt in the constellation of Orion. It is one of the brightest nebulae, and is visible to the naked eye in the night sky. M42 is located at a distance of 1,344 ± 20 light years and is the closest region of massive star formation to Earth. The M42 nebula is estimated to be 24 light years across. It has a mass of about 2,000 times that of the Sun. Older texts frequently refer to the Orion Nebula as the Great Nebula in Orion or the Great Orion Nebula.

The Orion Nebula is one of the most scrutinized and photographed objects in the night sky, and is among the most intensely studied celestial features. The nebula has revealed much about the process of how stars and planetary systems are formed from collapsing clouds of gas and dust. Astronomers have directly observed protoplanetary disks, brown dwarfs, intense and turbulent motions of the gas, and the photo-ionizing effects of massive nearby stars in the nebula.

Physical characteristics