Interstellar dust clouds and bright nebulae abound in the constellation of Orion. One of the brightest, M78, is near the center in this colorful telescopic view, covering an area north of Orion’s belt.

At a distance of about 1,500 light-years, the nebula is about 5 light-years across. Its blue tint is due to dust preferentially reflecting the blue light of hot stars in the region.

Dark dust lanes and other nebulae can easily be traced through the skyscape that includes many Herbig- Haro objects, energetic jets from stars in the process of formation.