When Is Orion Nebula (M42) Visible During the Year?

See how Orion Nebula (M42) visibility changes through the year from your location. The graph shows its seasonal observing windows, while the table gives rise, transit and set times for selected dates.

Orion Nebula (M42) will remain visible until April 10, when it moves too close to the Sun and temporarily disappears from the night sky.

Best Months to See Orion Nebula (M42)

Based on the amount of time Orion Nebula (M42) is above the horizon during dark or twilight hours, the strongest observing months in the next year are December 2026, January 2027, November 2026.

Orion Nebula (M42) Visibility Throughout the Year

Orion Nebula (M42) visibility on 2026-09-06

M42 Visible from early morning until sunrise

Orion Nebula (M42) rise and set timetable

	Time	Elevation
Moonset	14:58	-41°
Astronomical observing session begins	19:00	-53°
Moonrise, 31.2% illuminated	23:22	-7°
Orion Nebula (M42) rise	23:57
Astronomical observing session ends	03:12	35°
Twilight end	03:44	39°
Civil sunrise	04:16	43°
Sunrise	04:43	45°
Orion Nebula (M42) transit	05:40	47°

Track Orion Nebula (M42) Position Throughout the Night

← 6 September 2026 →

Time
Altitude
Azimuth

Shift the map to change the time and observe Orion Nebula (M42) changing position in the night sky.

Orion Nebula (M42) Rise, Transit and Set Times by Date