| Description | This was the first Messier catalog entry in more than 4 years, dated March 4, 1769, presumably motivated by the catalog's upcoming publication. "Position of the beautiful nebula in the sword of Orion, around the star Theta which ii contains [together] with three other smaller stars which one cannot see but with good instruments. Messier has entered into the great details in this great nebula; he has created a drawing, made with the greatest care, which one can see in the Memoirs of the Academy for 1771, plate VIII. It was Huygens who discovered it in 1656: it has been observed since by many astronomers". <--> For me, this was the last observation of a magical night. M42 is a gorgeous object, and one "everybody" does. I tried for a view that included a wider contrast range, in this featured image somewhat enhanced in Affinity Photo. Will add a few more images to the gallery, starting with a wide view of M42 and the Horsehead, taken with my Askar FMA180, plus a view with my C9.25 and f6.3 reducer. |
