The Running Man Nebula, NGC 1977

Probably the most popular deep sky nebula, the Orion Nebula (M42), is a wide HII region where hundreds of new stars are born. This stars nursery is located around 1,300 light years from Earth and it’s estimated to be around 24 light years across.

Together with M42 we can find Sh2-279, NGC 1977, also called “Running Man Nebula”. A fantastic deep sky object that shows a reflection and emission nebula, reminding us the shape of a running man.

The Orion Molecular clouds of dust and gas are visible surrounding both nebulae giving to the image a chocolate texture.

Explanation via APOD:

The 1970s are sometimes ignored by astronomers. In particular, this beautiful grouping of reflection nebulae in Orion – NGC 1977, NGC 1975, and NGC 1973 – are usually overlooked in favor of the substantial glow from the nearby stellar nursery better known as the Orion Nebula. Found along Orion’s sword just north of the bright Orion Nebula complex, these reflection nebulae are also associated with Orion’s giant molecular cloud about 1,500 light-years away, but are dominated by the characteristic blue color of interstellar dust reflecting light from hot young stars.

About the image:

This image has been possible thanks to the dark skies of Prades where I have my observatory. During moonless February 2018 nights I acquired the broad band data that was blended with some Ha narrow band images. HDR techniques have been used with all the images.

This image is the result of a new processing made in late November 2021 and February 2025.

Thanks for your time on this website.

SGP, PHD2, APP, PIX.