M42 - The Orion Nebula is located in the middle portion of the sword of the constellation of Orion.  This nebula is a magnitude 3.7 object making it easily visible to the naked eye from most locations.

   The nebula region glows due the young very hot stars that were created at the center of this image.  This nebula is located a short 1,500 Lightyears from Earth and is an active stellar nursery.  At the upper portion of the image one can see M43, also known as the "Running Man" nebula due to its appearance.