description M78 (NGC 2068) Overview
M78, also known as NGC 2068, is a visually stunning reflection nebula located within the Orion constellation. This classic nebula exhibits brilliant blue hues due to light scattering off dust particles. It’s notable for containing the famous "Cat's Eye" planetary nebula, a complex interaction between dying stars and surrounding gas clouds. Amateur astronomers and those studying stellar evolution find it particularly interesting.
insights Ranking position
M78 (NGC 2068) ranks #176 of 564 in the Nebula ranking, behind Eskimo Nebula (NGC 2392), ahead of Rosette Nebula (NGC 2237).
help M78 (NGC 2068) FAQ
Why does M78 look blue in astrophotographs?
M78 is a reflection nebula, so its dust scatters light from nearby young stars rather than producing most of its own visible light. Shorter blue wavelengths scatter efficiently, creating the familiar blue appearance in color images.
Where can I find M78 in the night sky?
M78 lies in Orion, north of the easternmost star in Orion's Belt. Under dark winter skies it can appear in a small telescope as a faint, comet-like glow around two stars.
Is the Cat's Eye Nebula inside M78?
No. The Cat's Eye Nebula is NGC 6543, a planetary nebula in Draco, while M78 is the Orion reflection nebula catalogued as NGC 2068.
What is the connection between M78 and McNeil's Nebula?
McNeil's Nebula is a variable reflection nebula in the same Orion B molecular-cloud region, close to M78. It became conspicuous during an outburst of the young star V1647 Orionis and was discovered photographically in 2004.
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