M
42 - the Great Orion Nebula - is the closest star-producing region
to Earth. It is part of the much larger Orion Molecular Cloud Complex,
lying 1,350 light years away and spanning 24 light years. It is
easily visible to the naked eye, appearing as a fuzzy patch of light
in the middle of Orion's sword.
The
small, bright area of nebulosity below the core (separated by a
thin dust lane) has its own Messier number - M 43. This is also
known as DeMairan's Nebula, named for its discoverer.
Also
visible is NGC 1973-75-77 (the "Running Man" Nebula). This is the
bluish reflection nebulae below the Orion Nebula.
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