My Notes: This object, being part of M42 has the same notes as the Orion Nebula. It’s another bonus object where, when photographing the one, this object can’t help but be in the picture as well. It is actually part of the great nebula that makes up M42, but early observers regarded it as a separate object due to the dark dust clouds that make them look like separate objects.

Herschel Notes: “circular glory of whitish nebulosity, faintly joined to the great nebula.”

Messier Notes: “a small star, which is surrounded by nebulosity.”