The nebula Messier 78 is a reflection nebula in the constellation Orion. It was discovered by Pierre Méchain in 1780 and included by Charles Messier in his catalogue of comet-like objects that same year. It is located approximately 1,600 light years distant from Earth.
"Among the . . . particles responsible for the scattering (the reflected star light illuminating these structures) are carbon compounds (e. g. diamond dust) and compounds of other elements such as iron and nickel. The latter two are often aligned with the galactic magnetic field and cause the scattered light to be slightly polarized."
Integration: 17.7 hours
Imaging telescopes or lenses: Takahashi TSA 102
Guiding telescopes or lenses: Takahashi TSA 102
Guiding cameras: sx loadstar
Focal reducers: Takahashi TOA/FS Reducer
Software: Sequence Generator Pro, PHD, Main Sequence Software, Photoshop CS5
Filters: Baader Luminance 2", Baader B 2'', Baader R 2", Baader G 2", Baader Ha 8.5nm
Accessories: Starlight Xpress USB filter wheel, Starlight Xpress Lodestar Guider