De Mairan's Nebula (M 43)
De Mairan's Nebula (M 43) is an emission nebula in the constellation Orion, magnitude 9.0, 20′ × 15′ across.
A comma-shaped part of the Orion Nebula complex, separated from M42 by a dark lane and lit by the young star NU Orionis at its center.
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
- Emission nebula
- Constellation
- Orion
- Designations
- M 43, NGC 1982, Mairan's Nebula
- Magnitude
- 9.0
- Apparent size
- 20′ × 15′
- Position
- RA 5h 35.5m, Dec −5° 16′ (J2000)
Open AstroPilot to see when De Mairan's Nebula (M 43) is highest tonight from your location, how easy it is with your telescope or binoculars, and an eyepiece view.