How to find Orion Nebula (M42) using Orion

This guide starts with a large pattern that is easy to recognize without a telescope. Use Orion as the main sky landmark.

Follow the route from one recognizable star to the next until you reach Orion Nebula (M42).

Orion Nebula (M42) is 13° above the horizon toward the southeast.

Begin with Orion, then follow the reference stars toward Orion Nebula (M42).

Orion

Recognize the characteristic star pattern of Orion before following the route.

Identify Alnilam in or near Orion; the chart shows its position relative to the guide.

From Alnilam, move about 1.4° toward the southeast until you reach Alnitak.

From Alnitak, move about 3.7° toward the south until you reach Orion Nebula (M42). This is the target field.