vdB52
Reflection Nebula in Orion
About
NGC 2023, one of the largest reflection nebulae in the sky at about 10′ × 10′, in Orion about 1,300 light-years away. HD 37903, a B2-type Herbig star, lights it, and it belongs to the Orion B molecular cloud.
Imaging tips
- Sources give about 10′ across, and it sits roughly 15′ north-east of the Horsehead Nebula, so the two can share a wide enough frame.
- One imager collected 3 hours in 180-second exposures with an 80 mm refractor and a one-shot colour camera.
- A reflection nebula, so broadband (LRGB or one-shot colour) is the right choice.
- Best around December; it peaks near 38° altitude from 50°N.
Facts
- Size
- 10′ × 8′
- Magnitude
- —
- Coordinates
- RA 5h 41.6m, Dec −2° 16′
- Framing, APS-C
- 2420–4040 mm
- Framing, full frame
- 3710–6190 mm
- Best months
- Dec
- Peak altitude
- 38° from 50°N, 53° from 35°N