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> M42, The Orion Nebula
M42, The Orion Nebula
author: J.Lodriguss/Novapix
reference: a-neb19-76010
Image Size 300 DPI: 19 * 29 cm
M42, The Orion Nebula, is a complex of emission, reflection, and dark nebulae, and a birthplace of stars. It is located about 1,500 light years away from Earth in the constellation of Orion. It's apparent size in the sky is about 1 degree, covering an area 4 times larger than the full moon, and about 30 light years in true diameter in space. It is part of a larger area of nebulosity in Orion that is hundreds of light years in size. M42 is also bright enough to be seen with the unaided eye. The red portion of the nebula shines by light emitted from the ionized hydrogen gas that is excited by the hot young massive stars forming in the nebula. The blue nebulosity is visible by light reflecting off of clouds of dust in the nebula. At the heart of the Orion Nebula is the Trapezium, a multiple star system that has formed out of the nebula. The Trapezium cluster is one of the youngest star clusters known.
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