M42 — Orion Nebula

About

A glowing cloud of gas where new stars are forming, about 1,300 light-years away and the nearest large star-forming region to us. The four young Trapezium stars at its heart sit within a region only 1.5 light-years across and light up the surrounding hydrogen.

Imaging tips

• The core is far brighter than the outer gas and clips in subs of around 15 seconds. Stack short subs (5–10 s) for the Trapezium and longer ones (60 s or more) for the wings, then blend with a mask.
• At 280–480 mm on APS-C the nebula fills a third to half of the frame, with M43 just 8′ away in the same field and the Running Man Nebula about 36′ away.
• A broadband light-pollution filter helps from a suburban sky and keeps natural colours; the nebula is bright enough for a colour camera.
• Best placed in December, when it crosses the meridian around midnight. From 50°N it stays below 35° altitude, so a clear southern horizon matters.