Orion Nebula
star-forming region · Orion · 4.0ᵐ
The Orion Nebula — the nearest large star-forming region at 1,350 light years and one of the finest sights in the sky. At its core the Trapezium, four hot young stars, lights up the surrounding gas.
Notable facts
Covers about 2.1 times more sky than the Moon.
In brief
Which constellation is Orion Nebula in?
Orion Nebula lies in Orion.
Is Orion Nebula visible to the naked eye?
4.0ᵐ — visible to the naked eye (under dark skies).
When is the best time to observe Orion Nebula?
Best observed in December.
Data
- RA / Dec (J2000)
- 5h 35m · −5° 27′
- Type
- star-forming region
- Constellation
- Orion
- How to observe
- 4.0ᵐ — visible to the naked eye (under dark skies)
- Angular size
- 66×60′
- Designation
- M42 · NGC 1976 · Orion Nebula
Observing tip
A UHC or OIII filter sharply raises the contrast. Start at low power to take in the whole nebula.
Altitude above the horizon by latitude
| Latitude | Maximum altitude | Rise azimuth |
|---|---|---|
| +60° | 25° | 101° |
| +55° | 30° | 100° |
| +45° | 40° | 98° |
| +30° | 55° | 96° |
| 0° | 85° | 95° |
| −35° | 60° | 97° |
Geometric altitude at upper culmination, atmospheric refraction not included. Positive latitudes are in the northern hemisphere.
Culmination time by month
| Month | Culmination |
|---|---|
| January | 21:50 |
| February | 19:43 |
| March | 17:57 |
| April | 16:04 |
| May | 14:10 |
| June | 12:03 |
| July | 10:00 |
| August | 07:59 |
| September | 06:05 |
| October | 04:17 |
| November | 02:16 |
| December | 00:07 |
Upper culmination in local solar time — no time-zone or daylight-saving correction applied.