The Orion Nebula (M42)

Code: M42, NGC 1976
Type: Diffuse nebula
Constellation: Orion
Distance from the Sun: 1,500 light-years

Located in Orion's sword, M42 is a vast emission and reflection nebula, illuminated by a star cluster: the Trapezium. Its proximity and brightness make it one of the most photographed objects in the sky.

Fun fact: Already observed in the 17th century, the Orion Nebula only revealed its gaseous nature with modern telescopes. Before that, people simply thought they were seeing "a fuzzy star."