Messier 78

Messier 78 (M78) is a reflection nebula in the constellation Orion, with an apparent magnitude of 8.3. It is about 1,600 light-years away.

Finder chart for Messier 78 in the constellation Orion
Messier 78 (circled) in Orion. Pink symbols mark Messier objects.
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Facts

CatalogMessier 78 (M78)
Typereflection nebula
ConstellationOrion
Apparent magnitude8.3
Distanceabout 1,600 light-years
Right ascension5 h 46.8 min
Declination+0.08°
Best monthFebruary (at about 9 pm)

Sources: star positions, magnitudes and colors from the Yale Bright Star Catalogue; constellation boundaries and star names from the IAU; areas and distances from Wikidata; stick figures by M. van der Sluys. How the maps are made.

How to find M78

M78 is in Orion. From 40° N it is highest in the south in February evenings, about 50° up. From 35° S it reaches about 55° in the north. You need a telescope and a dark sky to see it.

Orion constellation →

Other Messier objects in Orion

Orion Nebula (M42)De Mairan's Nebula (M43)

The Messier catalog →

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