... М42 < М43 > М44 ...

Emission nebula M43

Emission nebula M43 or De Mairan's, part of M42 is in the constellation Orion (Ori).

Equatorial coordinates (epoch J2000):
Ra (α):05^h35.5^m, Dec (δ):-05° 16'

Visual magnitude: 7,0^m
Distance from the nebula M43 to the Sun is 1600 light years
Angular size: 20'x15'

Discoverer: Jean-Jacques d'Ortous de Mairan, before 1731 year.

The designation M43 in other catalogs: NGC 1982

Optimum magnification for a telescope with observations of M43, depending on the aperture of the telescope (D), is about D/6-D/2. Higher magnifications of course add details, but lead to a strong drop in the brightness of the image, making it difficult to observe.

The best month for observing M43 is January. At this time, the object is at midnight near its highest point in the sky, that is, it is less affected by light from the lanterns and atmospheric distortions.

Мessier 42

Мessier 44

Liked?