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Running Man Nebula (NGC 1977)
reflection nebula in Orion
The Running Man Nebula is a blue reflection nebula just north of the Orion Nebula, with a dark shape that looks like a figure running. It is lit by young stars and glows pale blue. It fits in the same wide frame as M42.
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// Key facts
- Catalog
- NGC 1977
- Type
- reflection nebula
- Constellation
- Orion
- Size
- 20′ across
- Brightness
- Magnitude 7
- Distance
- about 1,400 light-years
- Peak month (any location)
- Dec
- Typical prime months
- Sep to Feb
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Filter
- No filter for the blue reflection; dual-band / UHC adds the faint red glow
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How to image Running Man Nebula
- Use 300 to 800 mm to include it with M42 and M43.
- No filter is needed; the blue light is broadband.
- Short exposures keep M42 from overwhelming the field.
Framing: what focal length?
The focal length at which NGC 1977 spans about 60% of the long side of the sensor, leaving room around it. Treat it as a starting point; the right framing is a matter of taste.
| Sensor | Focal length |
|---|---|
| 1-inch sensor (13.2 mm) | about 1360 mm |
| APS-C (23.5 mm) | about 2420 mm |
| Full frame (36 mm) | about 3710 mm |
How high does it climb from your latitude?
The highest point NGC 1977 reaches in the sky. Above about 60° is excellent, 30° to 60° is workable, and under 30° you are looking through a lot of air.
| Latitude | Highest point | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 55°N (Scotland, Alaska) | 30° | Workable |
| 45°N (Minneapolis, Milan) | 40° | Workable |
| 35°N (Los Angeles, Tokyo) | 50° | Workable |
| 25°N (Miami, Cairo) | 60° | High in the sky |
| 35°S (Sydney, Santiago) | 60° | High in the sky |
Also worth imaging
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