# Orion Nebula (M 42)

Orion Nebula (M 42) is a cluster + nebula in the constellation Orion, magnitude 4.0, 1.4° × 1.0° across.

One of the brightest nebulae in the sky, visible to the naked eye as the middle 'star' of Orion's sword and about 1,300 light-years away. Even small telescopes show glowing wings of gas around the Trapezium, the young stars that make it shine.

## When and where to see it

It is best placed in the evening sky around January, when it crosses the meridian at about 10 pm local time (around midnight in December). It can be seen from everywhere south of 85°N and never sets south of 85°S.

At its highest it stands 35° up from 50°N, 50° up from 35°N, 85° up from the equator, 60° up from 35°S.

## Facts

- Type: Cluster + nebula
- Constellation: Orion
- Designations: M 42, NGC 1976, Great Orion Nebula
- Magnitude: 4.0
- Apparent size: 1.4° × 1.0°
- Position: RA 5h 35.3m, Dec −5° 23′ (J2000)

Open AstroPilot to see when Orion Nebula (M 42) is highest tonight from your location, how easy it is with your telescope or binoculars, and an eyepiece view. https://astropilot.space/object/M42