Reflection nebula · Orion

M78

Also known as: NGC 2068

mag 8.08′ across

About

M78 is a reflection nebula of magnitude 8.0 in Orion, about 8′ across.

M78 is in the constellation Orion.
Best evenings: around early February it is highest at about 9 pm (10 pm in summer time); a month earlier, two hours later.
Where on Earth: it is seen well, at least 10° up, from north of 80° S.
Orion’s Belt and Sword: A small reflection nebula 2½° north-east of Alnitak; a telescope.

When it rises and sets tonight, how high it climbs and how much the Moon gets in the way are worked out in your browser for your place.

EyesNot visible to the naked eye.
Binoculars (10×50)A faint haze around its stars, from a dark site.
Telescope (6–8 inch)A faint glow around its stars. The blue colour shows only in photos.

For a dark country sky with no Moon. From a city, faint galaxies and nebulae can disappear completely.

Designations	M78, NGC 2068
Type	Reflection nebula
Magnitude	8.0The smaller the number, the brighter.
Apparent size	8′the full Moon is 31′ across
Constellation	Orion
Right ascension (J2000)	05h 46m 45.8s
Declination (J2000)	+00° 04′ 45″