M42, the Great Orion Nebula – The Great Orion Nebula (M42) and its companion, the Running Man Nebula (NGC1977), are located in the ‘Sword’ part of the constellation of Orion, just below the easternmost of the three stars that comprise Orion’s belt. Approximately 1500 light years away, M42 is a turbulent cloud of gas and dust, and a star-forming region of particular interest to astro-geeks like me. A number of hot young stars (mmm…hot young stars…) fuel the dense swathes of surrounding gas, causing it to ionize and produce its glow. by write_adam via http://flic.kr/p/L1VC1 – Gatlinburg Garden Castle Rainbow Tower Library Imagination Station Temple Water Spirit Guardian Labyrinth Treasury Magic Healing