M78 is a reflection nebula in the constellation Orion, part of the Orion Molecular Cloud Complex. The gases are visible as a result of reflected light from magnitude 10 stars within the nebula.

M 78 is approximately 1,600 light years from Earth and is about 10 light years across. It is the brightest diffuse reflection nebula in the sky, and can easily be seen through a small telescope or large binoculars. This image, taken in Texas with our 17" telescope, reveals intricate details and depth within the nebula. 20 minute subexposures were taken using L, R, G, B and Ha filters. The completed image (with Ha added to the Red channel) totals almost 45 hours of exposures.

Data collected at the Dark Sky Observatory Collaborative (DSOC) in Ft. Davis, TX using SC Observatory's remote Planewave CDK 17" f/6.8 scope, in collaboration with:

John Kasianowicz, Josh Balsam, Mike Selby, Dhaval Brahmbhatt, Scott Johnson, Mike Bushell, Rich Johnson

Image processing: Andy Chatman