The article highlights the M78 as an example of a reflection nebula, a picture of it was presented to the European Southern Observatory's (ESO) Hidden Treasures 2010 astrophotography competition by Igor Chekalin from Russia. Dust particles reflect the starlight that falls on them. It is observable through a small telescope as it's among the brightest reflection nebulae in the sky.
The dominant colour in the nebula is pale blue, which is seen in the reflection because of the scattering of the starlight by the tiny dust particles. HD 38563A and HD 38563B are two bright stars that are the main powerhouses behind M78. The nebula is also home to many stars that include 45 low-mass young stars which have cool cores for hydrogen fusion to start, know as T Tauri stars. The nebula has also changed significantly in the past 10 years. It was observed by Jay McNeil using a 75mm telescope in 2004, who was surprised to see a bright nebula, in form of a prominent fan-shaped feature on the image he took.
This is now referred to as the McNeil's Nebula and it appears to be a variable reflection nebula around a relatively young star. The article highlights the forums that recognize astronomical experiences through competitions, such as the European Southern Observatory's (ESO) Hidden Treasures. These help astronomers come together and share their experiences, beliefs, observations, and discoveries. This has enabled the world to know of the astronomical new discoveries, the formation of such outer space objects.
The nebula M78 is highlighted and discussed at length on its stunning beauty and how it reflects the star light.
