wide field astrophotography
The Orion Nebula (M42) is a diffuse nebula situated south of Orion's Belt in the constellation of Orion. It is one of the brightest nebulae, and is visible to the naked eye under ideal dark sky conditions. M42 has a mass of about 2,000 times that of the Sun and is situated roughly 1,344 light years away from Earth.
Nikon D750 | WO Zenithstar 61ii 360mm | 64.5 min exposure | 2021-01-03
Located in close proximity and just to the left of the Orion Nebula is De Marian’s Nebula (M43). This diffuse nebula lies at a distance of 1,600 light years from Earth. Together with the Orion Nebula, it is the closest region of massive star formation to Earth.
Just above and to the left of the Orion and De Marian’s nebulae is the Running Man Nebula (NGC 1977). Also part of the constellation Orion, NGC 1977 is a cloud of interstellar dust and gas sitting about 1,600 light years away from earth.
Nikon D750 | Sigma 70-200mm @ 200mm | 28min, 30sec exposure | 2020-02-23
Here is a wider field look at the Orion Nebula. In addition to Orion (M42), De Marian’s (NGC 1977) and the Running Man (NGC 1977) nebulae, if you look closely towards the upper left of the frame you can see the bright star Alnitak as well as faint traces of two more nebulae. Lying approximately 1,375 light years away is the small dark nebula Barnard 33 (Horsehead Nebula) and at a distance of about 1,350 light years is the emission nebula NGC 2024 (Flame Nebula).
