The reflection nebula NGC 1788 in Orion. The faint outer detail shown in this DSS image is probably not visible without large apertures (if at all). The detail just outside the bright inner section is probably visible in medium to large amateur scopes.

Due to its relative proximity to M42, this little gem of a nebula is often overlooked. Yet it is not at all a difficult object and is fairly easy to find. It should be visible in just about any high-quality telescope.

In medium size telescopes, this nebula appears as a bright glow about five arc-minutes across surrounding two stars. The glow surrounding the fainter (southernmost) of the two stars appears brighter. Faint extensions to the northeast are also visible. Generally, the brightness increases toward the two stars.

How to get there:

NGC 1788 is located just under two degrees north of 3rd-magnitude Beta Eridani.

Finder chart for NGC 1788