Astronomy Picture of the Day: 25/01/2026

Object Name: M78 aka Casper The Friendly Ghost Nebula

Copyright: Simon Kidd

Location: Wandi Western Australia

Connect: https://app.astrobin.com/i/lmf671

Skill level: Intermediate (2-4 years)

Image Title

Casper in Orion

Artists' statement

M78 aka NGC 2068 or Casper The Friendly Ghost is a reflection Nebula in the constellation Orion.

I took this data over a few nights at the end of December 2025 from my backyard and processed it using PixInsight’s new MAS stretching tool.

I love the subtle colour changes in this Nebula and hope you enjoy this image.

How This Image Was Captured

Gear used

Askar 120 APO telescope, ZWOAM5 mount, ZWO533MC pro camera

Exposure details

100 gain, F7, 4 hours integration (81x180 sec subs)

Processing notes

x 50 Bias, Dark, Flat frames Processed using PixInsight & PhotoShop

Exploring M78

M78, also known as Messier 78, is a reflection nebula located in the constellation Orion about 1,600 light-years from Earth. Discovered in 1780 by Pierre Méchain and later cataloged by Charles Messier, it is one of the brightest reflection nebulae in the night sky. Unlike emission nebulae that glow from energized gas, M78 shines by reflecting the light of nearby young, hot stars, which gives it a distinctive bluish appearance caused by dust scattering shorter wavelengths of light.

M78 is part of the Orion Molecular Cloud Complex, a vast region rich in gas and dust where new stars are actively forming, including protostars and brown dwarfs still embedded in their natal material. Although it is not visible to the naked eye, M78 can be observed with small telescopes under dark skies, appearing as a faint, misty patch near Orion’s Belt.

Behind the Selection

This image is strong because it combines striking visual contrast with a clear sense of depth and atmosphere.

The soft, luminous blue reflection nebulae stand out beautifully against the dark, dusty lanes that cut through the frame, creating a natural focal point while guiding the viewer’s eye across the image. The subtle gradients in the surrounding darkness prevent the background from feeling flat, and the scattered field of sharp, well-resolved stars adds scale and context without overwhelming the main subject.

The color balance is especially effective: the cool blues feel natural and restrained, while the muted grays and blacks of the dust clouds add drama and texture. Overall, the image feels both scientifically informative and artistically composed, capturing the quiet, mysterious beauty of interstellar space in a way that feels immersive and intentional.