Messier 78
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Messier 78 is a cloud of gas and dust in the constellation Orion that shines by reflecting light from nearby stars, rather than producing its own light. Astronomers study it because it helps us understand how stars form and evolve in regions where new stars are being born.
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Messier 78 (also known as M78 or NGC 2068) is a reflection nebula in the constellation Orion. It is the brightest diffuse reflection nebula in a group that includes NGC 2064, NGC 2067, and NGC 2071, all part of the Orion B molecular cloud complex. Located approximately 1,350 light-years from Earth, M78 is visible in small telescopes as a hazy patch illuminated by two B-type stars, HD 38563 A and HD 38563 B, of 10th and 11th magnitude. It is a popular target for amateur astronomers, who have given it the common name Casper the Friendly Ghost Nebula.
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