Stellar Reflection

M78

M78, a reflection nebula in Orion
By Wade V. Corbei

After trying more than once, I finally was able to get a good night of dark skies and good seeing in order to observe M78, a Reflection Nebula in Orion last month.

Although fairly unspectacular overall, there is a rich starfield that helped in enhancing the overall view of this nebula through the EP. I did notice, with averted vision, that quite a few of the stars that surround this nebula contained some color…from slight blueish-white to a rusty orange/red. The colors, although slight, add a nice contrast in the EP FOV.

One thought on “Stellar Reflection”

  1. Wade,

    Great sketch of a celestial wonder. The star field and nebular combination in your sketch is just how it looks at the eyepiece.

    Frank

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