Messier 78

Messier 78 (M78) is a bright reflection nebula located in the constellation Orion, about 1,350 light-years from Earth. It is part of the Orion Molecular Cloud Complex, a large region where new stars are forming. The nebula shines because dust within it reflects the light of nearby young stars, giving it a characteristic blue color. Discovered in 1780 by Pierre Méchain and later added to the Messier Catalogue, M78 is one of the brightest reflection nebulae visible in the night sky and an important object for studying early stages of star formation.