M-42 in Orion
Copyright 2003 Thom Iwancio
Known as M42 (M43 is the bright knot just above it), this stunning nebula is 1500 light-years distant and about 30 light years across and is easily visible as the middle "star" in the "sword" of Orion.
Date/Location:
December 23, 2003 Iwancio-Hodge
Observatory Bethune, SC
Instrument: Canon F1M through Meade 8" SCT on GEM
Focal Ratio: f 6
Guiding: ST5-C through Lumicon Cassagrain Easy Guider
Conditions: Visually clear
Weather: 30 F, Still wind
Film: Fuji Provia 400F
Exposure: 1 x 20 minutes
Filters: None
Processing: Photoshop 6