The Sword Region of Orion
Copyright 2003 Hap Griffin
This is the "Sword" region easily seen by naked eye below the "Belt" of Orion. Visually, the center "star" of this region is seen as being a bit fuzzy. Binoculars begin to hint at its true cloudy nature, but a telescope reveals it to be the tumultuous cocoon of active star birth that it is. Known as M42 (M43 is the bright knot just above it), this stunning object is 1500 light-years distant and about 30 light years across.
The upper object in the Sword is the blue reflection nebula NGC 1977. This object is also informally known as the "Running Man" Nebula because of the shape of the dark region in its center. Click here for a close-up of this object.
Date/Location:
November 22, 2003 Griffin/Hunter
Observatory Bethune, SC
Instrument: Meade f6.3 10" LX-200
Focal Ratio: Approx. f4 (utilizing focal reducer in GEG)
Guiding: Auto - via ST4 through Lumicon GEG
Conditions: Visually clear
Weather: 35 F, calm
Film: Fuji Provia 400F
Exposure: 1 x 60 minutes
Filters: None