The Horsehead Nebula

Horsehead nebula

Location in Sky

Horsehead nebula

Acquisition: Skywatcher-130PDS. December, 2022


Quick Facts

  • Catalog: Barnard 33.
  • Discovered: 1888, Williamina Fleming.
  • Distance from Earth: 1,375 light-years.
  • Diameter: 3.5 Lightyears.
  • Magnitude: 6.8
  • Best Visible: Winter.

    • Description

    The Horsehead Nebula, located in the constellation Orion just south of the star Alnitak, is approximately 1,375 light-years away from Earth. This dark nebula, part of the Orion Molecular Cloud Complex, is a dense region of gas and dust that blocks the light from stars behind it, giving it a distinctive shape resembling a horse’s head. The nebula spans about 3.5 light-years in height and 2.5 light-years in width. Known for its active star formation, the Horsehead Nebula is a fascinating site where new stars are being born, contributing to the dynamic processes within our galaxy.