The Orion Nebula is perhaps the most spectacular celestial object in our winter night sky. It is an example of a stellar nursery where new stars are being formed within bright nebulosity. It is also known as M42.
The Orion Nebula is one of the few nebulas that can be seen naked-eye. It's even better in binoculars. But the view in a telescope, especially a larger one, can be mesmerizing. The extensive flowing clouds, the glowing green color (green being the color that our eyes see best in low-light), and the sparkling stars are all part of the magic.
Viewing Orion Nebula
Level
Easy
Rating
Best Viewing
Early December to mid-March
Find
Find the Belt of Orion and look down (S) for a bright, slightly fuzzy 'star'. For more help use the 'Orion' link below.
Look for a bright, fuzzy 'star'.
Look for a ball of glowing nebulosity.
With a small telescope, look for structure in the nebulosity. With a larger telescope, look for lots of detail, and color. With high power look four bright stars at the center called the Trapezium. Try drawing what you see.
