Messier Index/M78
| M78 | |
|---|---|
| Observation data: J2000.0 epoch | |
| Type | Reflection |
| 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 | 2 |
| Absolute magnitude (V) | - |
| Notable features | Part of the Orion Complex |
| Other designations | NGC 2068, Ced55u |
The nebula Messier 78 (also known as M 78 or NGC 2068) is a w:reflection nebula in the w:constellation Orion. It was discovered by w:Pierre Méchain in w:1780 and included by w:Charles Messier in his catalog of w: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 w:Orion Molecular Cloud Complex and is about 1,600 w:light years distant from w:Earth. M78 is easily found in small w:telescopes as a hazy patch and involves two w: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 w:variable stars of the T Tauri type, young stars still in the process of formation as well as some 17 w:Herbig-Haro objects are known in M78.