Messier 78 (M78) is a bright reflection nebula located in the constellation Orion, approximately 1,600 light-years from Earth. It is one of the most prominent nebulae in the Orion constellation and was first cataloged by the French astronomer Charles Messier in 1779. The nebula is a region of gas and dust that reflects the light of nearby stars, giving it a characteristic bluish glow. It contains several young, hot stars, including some that are still in the process of forming. The nebula is part of the Orion Molecular Cloud Complex, a vast region of star formation, and it is a popular target for both amateur and professional astronomers due to its striking appearance and its role in the study of stellar birth and evolution. Written by ChatGPT.