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GAIA
Illustration, not a photograph

Nebula

Orion Nebula (M42)

A star factory visible to the naked eye

Related to Orion

Description

M42 is the closest region of intense star formation to Earth. At its centre the Trapezium, a group of young, very hot stars, lights up and sculpts the surrounding gas.

Did you know?

Even small binoculars show its winged shape and the Trapezium stars.

  • Star

    Betelgeuse

    A red supergiant in Orion's shoulder

  • Constellation

    Orion

    The hunter of the winter sky