Located in the constellation Orion, 1,600 light-years away from Earth, the Orion Nebula (M 42) is a bright cloud of gas and dust where stars are in the process of being born. The Orion Nebula looks bright because it reflects light from the multiple star Theta Orionis, located on one side. Radiation from new stars in the Nebula lights up hydrogen in its outer regions, causing the gas to glow with its characteristic red color. M 42 is spread across more than 15 light-years of space.

Orion in infrared

      This image of the Orion Nebula was taken in infrared radiation—radiation with wavelengths longer than visible light—and given false visible colors. The Orion Nebula is a cloud of gas and dust that surrounds new stars. The young stars light up the nebula and cause it to glow.