The Great Nebula in Orion
(Messier 42)

The Great Nebula in Orion or simply the Orion Nebula is seen as the middle star in Orion's sword. It also appears in the image of Barnard's Loop but on a much smaller scale.

The Orion Nebula is an active star forming region, a stellar nursery, containing approximately 700 stars in various stages of formation. It lies about 1,300 light years from Earth and is 24 light years across.

Near the very brightest part of the nebula, it is possible to discern a tight group of 4 stars. This is the well-known Trapezium Cluster which is 1½ light years in diameter.

The image is a 3 hour total exposure taken with a 5 inch telescope from Eustis Ridge over 2 nights in February, 2023.