M42 (Orion Nebula)

The Orion Nebula (M42) is a bright, glowing cloud of gas and dust located about 1,344 light-years away in the constellation Orion. It is a stellar nursery where new stars are forming from the collapsing gas. The intense radiation from young, hot stars illuminates the surrounding nebula, creating a striking, colorful scene visible with the naked eye or telescopes. M42 is one of the closest and most active regions of star formation, making it a key subject of astronomical study and a stunning feature in the night sky.