© 2025 M Millward Astronomical Observatory located near George Town, Tasmania York Creek Observatory
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M42

Object type:Emission Nebula

Constellation name:Orion

Constellation common name:The Hunter

Constellation possessive form:Orionis

RA (J2000):5h 34m 54.0s

Dec (J2000):-5° 26' 15"

Ecliptic longitude:82° 57.465'

Ecliptic latitude:-28° 43' 16"

Galactic longitude:209° 0.690'

Galactic latitude:-19° 29' 20"

Angular size:36 arcminutes


Description:M42 is an emission nebula. Nebulae are giant clouds of dust and gas.Emission nebulae are regions of hydrogen gas very close to young, hot stars. Light from the stars heats the hydrogen gas, raising its temperature up to 10 000 K. At this temperature, the gas cloud glows red, giving emission nebulae their distinct reddish appearance. Because nebulae are faint, extended objects with very low surface brightness, low magnification will often provide the best views. The most famous nebula is the Orion Nebula, which is a combination emission and reflection nebula. (Starry Night Pro)


14/01/07 @30s X 20

Camera: Canon EOS350D

Telescope: Tak  M250


03/02/09 @ 60s X 10

Camera: Canon EOS350D

Telescope: Tak  FSQ-85EDX


30/01/06 @45s

Camera: Meade DSI

Focal Reducer:  SBIG FR237

Telescope: Tak  M250

Approx. FL: F/4

15/09/07 @30s X 20

Camera: Canon EOS350D

Telescope: Tak  M250 f9.2 Focal Reducer


09/04/06 @90s

Canon EOS 350D ISO 400 Mewlon 250

09/04/06 @60s

Canon EOS 350D ISO 400 Mewlon 250

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