The Belt and Sword Region in Orion
There are several different objects which are visible in this image. The best known is M-42, the great Orion nebula which can easily be seen without any aid. It is the bright pink region at the right of the image. Just left is the bright blue reflection nebula NGC 1977. Right of M-42 is the star cluster which we see as the bottom star of Orion's sword. Near the center part of this image is the horsehead region. The emission nebula IC 434 is silhouetted by the dark nebula B33 which resembles the head of a horse. The Flame Nebula (NGC 2024) is below and left of the horsehead and next to the bright star Alnitak. Slightly below and left of the horsehead is another reflection nebula NGC 2023. Many whisps of fainter nebulosity can be seen between the horsehead and M-42; and also below M-42. More very dim nebulosity can be seen around the belt stars including some very faint reflection nebulosity. Alnitak, Alnilam, and Mintaka are the names of the three belt stars at left (bottom to top).
This image is a mosaic which represents over 18 hours total film exposure; and uses images from 2 different photographic instruments. The widefield overall view is a 5 frame mosaic made with a Takahashi 250 astrograph. The M-42 region is an insert of a mosaic made with a 12.5" newtonian reflector.