M78 / NGC 2068 (Bright Reflection Nebula)
Magnitude: 8.3
Distance Aprox: 1,600 light-years
Constellation: Orion
The nebula is a reflection nebula discovered by Pierre Méchain in 1780 and included by Charles Messier in his catalog of comet-like objects that same year.
M78 is the brightest diffuse reflection nebula of a group of nebulae that includes NGC 2064, NGC 2067 and NGC 2071. This group belongs to the Orion Molecular Cloud Complex. M78 is easily found in small telescopes as a hazy patch and involves two stars of 10th magnitude. These two stars, HD 38563A and HD 38563B, are responsible for making the cloud of dust in M78 visible by reflecting their light.
Taken 2/24/20 in Scout Key Florida by Russell Kille on a Explore Scientific 152mm Comet Hunter Netonian @ F4.8 and ZWO ASI294MC Pro camera
Taken 2/17/18 in Chiefland Florida by Russell Kille on a CPC 1100 with Hyperstar @ F2 and ZWO ASI294MC Pro camera
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