M78 · nebula

Messier 78

Messier 78 is a reflection nebula in the constellation Orion.

RA05h 46m 45sDec+00° 04' 45"

Image: ESO/Igor Chekalin. CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Identity & coordinates

Identification

Primary designation: M78
All designations: M78 · NGC 2068
Object type: Nebula
Constellation: Orion
Best viewing: Winter

Coordinates & physical

Right ascension (J2000): 05h 46m 45s
Declination (J2000): +00° 04' 45"
Apparent magnitude (V): —
Distance: —

III

Visibility tonight

The science

Messier 78 is a reflection nebula in the constellation Orion. It is the brightest diffuse reflection nebula in a group that includes NGC 2064, NGC 2067, and NGC 2071, all part of the Orion B molecular cloud complex. Located approximately 1,350 light-years from Earth, M78 is visible in small telescopes as a hazy patch illuminated by two B-type stars, HD 38563 A and HD 38563 B, of 10th and 11th magnitude. It is a popular target for amateur astronomers, who have given it the common name Casper the Friendly Ghost Nebula.

Summary adapted from Wikipedia · CC-BY-SA-4.0