The Explore the Universe certificate requires the observation of twelve of twenty-four of the brightest deep-sky objects. One of the easiest to find is M42, the Orion Nebula. This nebula is located just below the belt of
Orion and is visible to the naked eye, even with moderate light pollution. It is part of the Orion Molecular Cloud Complex that includes the Horsehead Nebula, Flame Nebula, M78 and
M43. M43(De Mairan's Nebula) is separated by M42 by a lane of dust, so you get two for the price of one in a telescope. A map of the location of M42/M43 is shown below.
 |
| Star Map of M42/M43 |
During the middle of January 2017 I had the opportunity to take a closer look at the Orion Nebula. The Orion Nebula is an
emission nebula with its luminescence provided by very young hot stars heating the surrounding ionized gas. Below is an unprocessed image I took from the backyard.
 |
| M42/M43 |
In order to complete the requirements for the certificate an observation record is required. This record lists the equipment used, the weather, location and any comments relevant to the observation. A copy of my observation record is shown below.
 |
| M42 Orion Nebula Observation Record |
If you have a pair of binoculars and a dark site, M42 is absolutely stunning. We borrowed a pair of image stabilized binoculars and the view was perfect. Image stabilized binoculars are able to hold the sky still even if your arms shake while viewing the target object. I hope to take some more time to view M42 and especially try to separate M43 into another observation record. I hope you have the opportunity to turn your gaze to the nebula on a dark autumn/winter evening.
0 comments:
Post a Comment