M78 (NGC 2068)
Also known as M78 · M 78 · NGC 2068
M78 (NGC 2068) is a reflection nebula in the constellation Orion.
Facts
| Type | Reflection nebula |
|---|---|
| Constellation | Orion |
| Position (J2000) | 5h 46m 45s, +0° 04′ |
| Brightness | magnitude 8 (smaller is brighter; the faintest stars the eye sees are about 6) |
| Size on the sky | 4.5′ (the full Moon is about 31′) |
| Filter | No filter (It shines by reflected starlight, which a nebula filter would dim.) |
| Studied in | 402 scientific papers (SIMBAD) |
When and how to see it
M78 (NGC 2068) is highest in the sky at midnight in December. From India (about 20° N) it climbs to about 70° above the horizon; from 50° N, to about 40°. To see it you need binoculars.
Heights are worked out for India and for 50° N. Set your location in Settings to see them for where you are.
For tonight's best time from your own town, the darkness and the Moon, open it on the map and see its "Tonight from your location" card.
More in Orion
- Barnard's Loop
- Cosmic Bat Nebula
- De Mairan's Nebula (M43)
- Flame Nebula
- Horsehead Nebula
- Monkey Head Nebula
- Orion Nebula (M42)
- TXS 0506+056
Everything in Orion · All 88 constellations · All sky objects
Data: SIMBAD (CDS, Strasbourg; the site's weekly copy) · OpenNGC · Data sources & credits