It's the law. You must observe the Orion Nebula (M42) at least once a year. This was taken last night during the lull between the storms.

Pic taken with a Seestar S50, 4 hours and 12 minutes of 30 second exposures. 

M42 is a region of active star formation. The young, hot stars embedded within the nebula emit large amounts of ultraviolet radiation, causing the surrounding hydrogen gas to glow pink. The blue areas are reflection nebulae, where dust grains scatter and reflect the light of nearby stars. The Orion Nebula lies approximately 1,300 light-years from Earth. It was first recorded telescopically in 1610, shortly after the invention of the telescope, and was first photographed by Henry Draper in 1880.

The Orion Nebula can be seen through small telescopes and even binoculars from suburban skies. For the best views, however, escape the city lights and turn the largest telescope you can find towards Orion, you will be amazed at the view.

Why not come along to one of the observing evenings at the The Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux, this winter? If we're fortunate enough to enjoy clear skies, you may have the chance to see this remarkable stellar nursery for yourself.