M42 is one of the brightest nebulae in the sky, shinning brightly in the constellation Orion. M43 is a small part of this large nebula complex, and can be seen in the smaller cutout below. Another nebula can be seen in this photograph, the blue reflection nebula NGC1977, often called the "Running Man Nebula".
The Orion Nebula complex is the closest "Star Forming" region to the Sun. Inside the bright core is gas and dust collapsing into new stars. The intense heat and radiation causes the outer clouds of Hydrogen and other gases to glow beautiful shades of pink and red.
The blue color of NGC1977 is caused by reflected light from some bright stars onto gas and dust. Dark lanes of dust create shadows, which give rise to it's nickname "the Running man". If you still have trouble seeing the man, move your mouse over the image, and you will find the "Running Man".
M42 and M43 The Orion Nebula (NGC 1976)
