M42 — Orion Nebula
Exceptionally bright emission/reflection nebula; Trapezium stars excite the surrounding gas.
Capture details
- Date: 2025-11-01
- Integration: 50 × 2s
- Gear: Canon 550D Stock * 208mm
- Location: Velden
- Notes: Hα + RGB composite, Trapezium visible
Processing
Dual-exposure style stretch to retain the bright core while showing outer nebulosity. Processing using DSS + Siril + GIMP
What is M42 (Orion Nebula)?
M42 is a stellar nursery—a vast cloud of gas and dust where new stars are being born. At roughly 1,300 light-years in Orion, it’s one of the brightest nebulae in the sky. The Trapezium stars in its core light up the surrounding gas, creating the famous pink and teal glow.
- Type: Emission/reflection nebula, H II region
- Distance: ~1,300 ly
- Why it’s popular: Extremely bright; shows strong Hα and OIII structure