description NGC 2068 Overview
NGC 2068, better known as Messier 78, is the brightest diffuse reflection nebula in the Earth's night sky. Located within the constellation Orion, it appears distinctly blue because interstellar dust scatters the light from embedded, hot young stars. French astronomer Pierre Méchain first recorded the object in 1780. NGC 2068 remains an active area of astronomical study, particularly regarding the formation of new stars hidden within its dense molecular clouds.
help NGC 2068 FAQ
What is NGC 2068 and why does it appear blue?
NGC 2068, better known as Messier 78, is the brightest diffuse reflection nebula visible in Earth's night sky. It appears distinctly blue because interstellar dust within the nebula scatters the light from embedded, hot young stars, similar to how Earth's atmosphere scatters sunlight to make the sky blue.
Who discovered NGC 2068 / Messier 78?
NGC 2068 was discovered by the French astronomer Pierre Méchain in 1780. It was subsequently added to Charles Messier's famous catalog of astronomical objects, where it received the designation M78.
Where in the sky can I find Messier 78?
Messier 78 is located within the constellation Orion, situated roughly 1,600 light-years from Earth. It can be observed with a small to moderate telescope under dark sky conditions.
Can Messier 78 be seen with binoculars or a small telescope?
Messier 78 is the brightest reflection nebula in the night sky but still requires at least a small telescope to observe clearly, as its surface brightness is relatively low. Under good dark-sky conditions, a moderate-aperture telescope can reveal its characteristic blue glow.
explore Explore More
Similar to NGC 2068
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.
