De Mairan's Nebula

star-forming region · Orion · 9.0ᵐ

De Mairan’s Nebula — part of the Orion Nebula complex, cut off from M42 by a dark dust lane and lit by its own young star.

Notable facts

About 1/2 the apparent diameter of the Moon.

In brief

Which constellation is De Mairan's Nebula in?

De Mairan's Nebula lies in Orion.

Is De Mairan's Nebula visible to the naked eye?

9.0ᵐ — a telescope is needed.

When is the best time to observe De Mairan's Nebula?

Best observed in December.

Data

RA / Dec (J2000)
5h 36m · −5° 16′
Type
star-forming region
Constellation
Orion
How to observe
9.0ᵐ — a telescope is needed
Angular size
20×15′
Designation
M43 · NGC 1982

Observing tip

A UHC or OIII filter sharply raises the contrast. Start at low power to take in the whole nebula.

Altitude above the horizon by latitude

LatitudeMaximum altitudeRise azimuth
+60°25°101°
+55°30°99°
+45°40°97°
+30°55°96°
85°95°
−35°60°96°

Geometric altitude at upper culmination, atmospheric refraction not included. Positive latitudes are in the northern hemisphere.

Culmination time by month

MonthCulmination
January21:50
February19:43
March17:57
April16:04
May14:10
June12:04
July10:00
August07:59
September06:06
October04:17
November02:16
December00:08

Upper culmination in local solar time — no time-zone or daylight-saving correction applied.

Nearby in the sky

Other objects in this constellation

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