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| Description | NGC | Magnitude | Right Ascension | Declination |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diffuse Nebulae in Orion | 1976/1982 | ? | 5 hours 33 minutes | -5 degrees 25 minutes |
M42 and M43 together form the impressive nebula on Messier's list. M42 is by far the largest of the pair. It can be seen by the naked eye on clear nights, and is easily seen through binoculars. But to really appreciate M42/M43 you will need the higher magnifications of a telescope through which you can see the small ember, M43, overlap M42. M42 has been called "celestial nursery" because within its vast cloud of hydrogen gas, new stars are being formed.
The internal structure of M42 is delicate and lovely. Its color tends to a greenish shade, intertwined with areas of gray. Gently flowing filaments sweep through the stellar background.
Don't expect to see this during the first viewing. Each subsequent time you point your telescope to this region, particularly on a dark night, will add a bit more to your picture of M42. M42 and M43 are actually only a small part of a great nebula that covers the entire area of Orion, located 1,800 light years away. To find them look at Orion's belt.