description M78 Overview
Messier 78 (M78 or NGC 2068) is a reflection nebula located in the constellation Orion, situated roughly 1,600 light-years from Earth. It was discovered by the French astronomer Pierre Méchain in 1780 and later added to Charles Messier's catalog. The nebula is illuminated by the light of several young, hot B-type stars, which scatters off surrounding clouds of interstellar dust to create its characteristic blue glow. It is the brightest diffuse reflection nebula observable in the night sky.
help M78 FAQ
What constellation is M78 located in?
Messier 78 (M78) is located in the constellation Orion, situated roughly 1,600 light-years from Earth. It is part of the larger Orion Molecular Cloud Complex, a vast region of star formation.
Who discovered M78 and when?
M78 was discovered by the French astronomer Pierre Méchain in 1780 and was subsequently added to Charles Messier's catalog. Méchain was a close collaborator of Messier and contributed several entries to the famous catalog.
What type of nebula is Messier 78?
Messier 78 is a reflection nebula, meaning it does not emit its own light but instead reflects and scatters the light from nearby hot young stars. The scattered light gives the nebula its characteristic blue appearance.
How far away is M78 from Earth?
M78 is situated roughly 1,600 light-years from Earth. This places it within the Orion Molecular Cloud Complex, one of the closest regions of active star formation to our solar system.
explore Explore More
Similar to M78
See all arrow_forward
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
