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Proper NameEpsilon Orionis Nebula
Messier NumberNone
NGC/IC NumberNGC 1990
Other DesignationsLBN 940
ConstellationOrion
Right Ascension5h 36m 13s
Declination-1° 12' 7"
Distancec.1,300 light years
c.400 parsecs
MagnitudeApparent: +10.0
Absolute: +1.9
DiameterApparent: 5'
Actual: 19 light years
Optimum VisibilityDecember / January
NotesNGC 1990 or the Epsilon Orionis Nebula was recorded by William Herschel as a region of bright nebulosity surrounding Alnilam or Epsilon Orionis, the central star of Orion's Belt. Modern surveys suggest that the 'nebula' may have been an optical effect, rather than a physical nebula surrounding the star.

A supposed bright nebula of almost circular shape in the heart of Orion. There is some doubt about the existence of this nebula, but it represents a region about twenty light years across illuminated by the blue light of Alnilam, the central star in Orion's Belt.

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