Messier 78

For other uses, see M78.

M78

Reflection nebula
Image of Messier 78 captured using the Wide Field Imager camera on the MPG/ESO 2.2-metre telescope at the La Silla Observatory.
Observation data: J2000.0 epoch
Right ascension	05h 46.7m
Declination	+00° 03′
Distance	1,600 ly
Apparent magnitude (V)	8.3
Apparent dimensions (V)	8′ × 6′
Constellation	Orion
Physical characteristics
Radius	5 ly
Notable features	Part of the Orion Complex
Designations	NGC 2068, Ced55u

The nebula Messier 78 (also known as M 78 or NGC 2068) is a reflection nebula in the constellation Orion. It was discovered by Pierre Méchain in 1780 and included by Charles Messier in his catalog of comet-like objects that same year.

M78 is the brightest diffuse reflection nebula of a group of nebulae that include NGC 2064, NGC 2067 and NGC 2071. This group belongs to the Orion Molecular Cloud Complex and is about 1,600 light years distant from Earth. M78 is easily found in small telescopes as a hazy patch and involves two stars of 10th magnitude. These two stars, HD 38563A and HD 38563B, are responsible for making the cloud of dust in M78 visible by reflecting their light.

About 45 variable stars of the T Tauri type, young stars still in the process of formation as well as some 17 Herbig–Haro objects are known in M78.

File:Making a Spectacle of Star Formation in Orion.jpg

Spitzer image of Messier 78.

See also

• Messier 78 in fiction

External links

• Messier 78 on WikiSky: DSS2, SDSS, GALEX, IRAS, Hydrogen α, X-Ray, Astrophoto, Sky Map, Articles and images
• Messier 78, SEDS Messier pages
• M78: Stardust and Starlight
• NightSkyInfo.com – M78
• Astronomy Picture of the Day
  • M78 Wide Field 2009 November 26
  • M78 and Reflecting Dust Clouds in Orion 2010 March 2