Messier 42 (Orion Nebula)

The Orion Nebula (Messier 42) is a brilliant, glowing cloud of gas and dust located about 1,344 light-years away in the constellation Orion. It is one of the brightest nebulae visible to the naked eye and serves as a stellar nursery, where new stars are forming from collapsing gas. Within the nebula, young stars emit intense radiation that illuminates the surrounding material, creating a spectacular, colorful display. The Orion Nebula is an important region for astronomers studying star formation and the early stages of stellar life.