In the sword of Orion, visible to the naked eye, is the Great Nebula in Orion, by far the most spectacular of all nebulae! It is bright and expansive, with a definite greenish cast. M-42 is strangely shaped, and lanes of abscuring dust can be identified -- including the "Fishmouth" which protrudes into the nebula. Wisps of filamentous gases can be observed. In the heart of the nebula is the "Trapezium", a multiple star. Over fifty variables are contaoned in the Orion Nebula, in which new stars are being born. Radio source.
| NGC: | 1976 |
| OTHER NAMES: | M-42; The Orion Nebula |
| CLASS: | diffuse nebula |
| SIZE: | 66' x 60' |
| MAGNITUDE: | +4 |
| DISTANCE: | 975 light years |
| POSITION: | 05h 34m -05d 24' |
| CONSTELLATION: | Orion |
| DATE OF SKETCH: | 10/04/75 |
| MAGNIFICATION USED: | 70x,140x |
