![]() The Orion Nebula contains a very young open cluster, known as the Trapezium due to the asterism of its primary four stars. The star appears fuzzy to sharp-eyed observers, and the nebulosity is obvious through a pair of binoculars or a small telescope. It is seen as the middle "star" in the sword of Orion, which are the three stars located below Orion's Belt. The nebula is visible with the naked eye even from areas affected by some light pollution. Stars are forming throughout the Orion Nebula, and due to this heat-intensive process the region is particularly prominent in the infrared. M43 is also part of M42, as well as several nearby reflection nebulae noted in the New General Catalogue. The Orion Molecular Cloud Complex extends throughout the constellation of Orion and includes Barnard's Loop, the Horsehead Nebula, and M78. The Orion Nebula is in fact part of a much larger nebula that is known as the Orion Molecular Cloud Complex. Astronomers have directly observed protoplanetary discs, brown dwarfs, intense and turbulent motions of the gas, and the photo-ionizing effects of massive nearby stars in the nebula. The nebula has revealed much about the process of how stars and planetary systems are formed from collapsing clouds of gas and dust. The Orion Nebula is considered to be one of the most scrutinized and photographed objects in the night sky, and is among the most intensely-studied celestial features. The M42 nebula is estimated to be 30 light years across. M42 is located at a distance of about 1,500 light years away, and is the closest region of star formation to Earth. It is one of the brightest nebulae, and is visible to the naked eye in the night sky. ![]() The Orion Nebula (also known as Messier 42, M42, or NGC 1976) is a diffuse nebula with a greenish hue and is situated below Orion's Belt. Related subjects: Space (Astronomy) Orion Nebula Diffuse nebula ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |