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[[Image:600px-Orion_Nebula_-_Hubble_2006_mosaic_18000.jpg|thumb|right|Hubble image of the Orion Nebula]]
The '''Orion Nebula''' (also known as '''Messier 42'''), is the brightest star forming, diffuse nebula in the sky, situated south of the belt of [[Orion]]. Having an apparent magnitude of +3, the nebula can be seen by the unaided eye in moderately dark skies. It is estimated to be some 24 light years across and is some 1,344±20 light years from Earth<ref>http://arxiv.org/abs/0902.3913</ref>. The Orion Nebula itself is only part of a vastly larger star forming nebular region called the '''Orion Molecular Cloud Complex'''.
The '''Orion Nebula''' (also known as '''Messier 42'''), is the brightest star forming, diffuse nebula in the sky, situated south of the belt of [[Orion]]. Having an apparent magnitude of +3, the nebula can be seen by the unaided eye in moderately dark skies. It is estimated to be some 24 light years across and is some 1,344±20 light years from Earth<ref>http://arxiv.org/abs/0902.3913</ref>. The Orion Nebula itself is only part of a vastly larger star forming nebular region called the '''Orion Molecular Cloud Complex'''.
===Nebula Structure===
===Nebula Structure===
[[Image:M42proplyds.jpg|thumb|left|Image of several proplyds within the Orion Nebula by Hubble]]
Various features in the Orion Nebula have been given their own names by observers over the years. The dark lane that extends from the north toward the bright region is called the "Fish's Mouth", it is here where a cluster of newborn stars are found called ''the Trapezium Cluster''. The illuminated regions to both sides are known as the "Wings". Other features include "The Sword", "The Thrust" and "The Sail".
Various features in the Orion Nebula have been given their own names by observers over the years. The dark lane that extends from the north toward the bright region is called the "Fish's Mouth", it is here where a cluster of newborn stars are found called ''the Trapezium Cluster''. The illuminated regions to both sides are known as the "Wings". Other features include "The Sword", "The Thrust" and "The Sail".