M78
reflection nebula · Orion · 8.0ᵐ
A Messier catalogue object — reflection nebula in Orion.
Notable facts
About 1/4 the apparent diameter of the Moon.
In brief
Which constellation is M78 in?
M78 lies in Orion.
Is M78 visible to the naked eye?
8.0ᵐ — visible with binoculars.
When is the best time to observe M78?
Best observed in December.
Data
- RA / Dec (J2000)
- 5h 47m · +0° 03′
- Type
- reflection nebula
- Constellation
- Orion
- How to observe
- 8.0ᵐ — visible with binoculars
- Angular size
- 8×6′
- Designation
- M78 · NGC 2068
Observing tip
Responds well to a UHC filter; observe at low magnification.
Altitude above the horizon by latitude
| Latitude | Maximum altitude | Rise azimuth |
|---|---|---|
| +60° | 30° | 90° |
| +55° | 35° | 90° |
| +45° | 45° | 90° |
| +30° | 60° | 90° |
| 0° | 90° | 90° |
| −35° | 55° | 90° |
Geometric altitude at upper culmination, atmospheric refraction not included. Positive latitudes are in the northern hemisphere.
Culmination time by month
| Month | Culmination |
|---|---|
| January | 22:01 |
| February | 19:54 |
| March | 18:09 |
| April | 16:15 |
| May | 14:21 |
| June | 12:15 |
| July | 10:11 |
| August | 08:10 |
| September | 06:17 |
| October | 04:28 |
| November | 02:27 |
| December | 00:19 |
Upper culmination in local solar time — no time-zone or daylight-saving correction applied.