14 DAY TRIAL // Scientists with the Siding Spring Observatory, in Australia, were recently able to collect a new image of the M-78 diffuse reflection nebula, which is located about 1,600 light-years from Earth. The photo was collected using a 6-inch (15.3-centimeter) refractor telescope at the observatory.
According to astronomers, M-78 is currently hosting around 40 very young stars, which have not yet fully developed. When they are completely formed, these objects will make the nebula shine very bright, as ultraviolet radiations excite the hydrogen gas all around the blue stars.
The object is located in the constellation of Orion, and is the brightest of a group of nebulae that also includes NGC 2064, NGC 2067 and NGC 2071. All are part of the Orion Molecular Cloud Complex, and can be made out using relatively small telescopes.
The Siding Spring Observatory, near Coonabarabran, in New South Wales, is operated by the Australian National University (ANU) through its Research School of Astronomy & Astrophysics (RSAA). A total of 12 telescopes are installed at this location, around 1,165 meters (3,822 feet) above sea level.