Nebula
Messier 78
Diffuse nebula · M78 · NGC 2068
Diffuse nebula in Orion
Photo: ESO/Igor Chekalin · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Messier 78 is a reflection nebula in the constellation Orion. It is the brightest diffuse reflection nebula in a group that includes NGC 2064, NGC 2067, and NGC 2071, all part of the Orion B molecular cloud complex. Located approximately 1,350 light-years from Earth, M78 is visible in small telescopes as a hazy patch illuminated by two B-type stars, HD 38563 A and HD 38563 B, of 10th and 11th magnitude. It is a popular target for amateur astronomers, who have given it the common name Casper the Friendly Ghost Nebula.
Description from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
In your sky
Share your location to see where this is in your sky right now.
Key facts
Distance
~1,600 light-years
Apparent mag.
+8.3
Apparent size
8′ × 6′
Best seen with
Binoculars
Catalogue
M78 · NGC 2068
Did you know
- Listed as Messier 78 in the Messier catalogue, also known as NGC 2068.
- Found in the constellation Orion.
- Within reach of ordinary binoculars under dark skies.
