Where is Orion Nebula (M42) right now?
Orion Nebula (M42) is located in the constellation Orion. It is currently below the horizon and is not visible from your location.
Track Orion Nebula (M42) position throughout the night
← 17 October 2026 →
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Shift the map to change the time and observe Orion Nebula (M42) changing position in the night sky.
Where and When to Look for Orion Nebula (M42) Tonight
The best observable position of Orion Nebula (M42) is near 03:00: 47° above the horizon toward the south. Status: Best view.
How Orion Nebula (M42) Moves Across the Sky
During this observing period, Orion Nebula (M42) moves from the north-west, reaches its highest sampled position at 47° toward the south, and finishes toward the north-west.
Astrometric and Physical Parameters of Orion Nebula (M42)
| Constellation | Orion |
| Elevation | -44° |
| Direction | north-east (55°) |
| Magnitude | 4 |
Orion Nebula (M42) Passage Through Night
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Current position of Orion Nebula (M42)
| Time | 17:25 |
| Latitude | 37.3541 |
| Longitude | -121.955 |
| Elevation | -44° |
| Azimuth | 55° |
Here you can see the current position of Orion Nebula (M42) on the map, as well as its positions for rise and set. This tool lets you track its movement throughout the night with accurate, up-to-date information.
Orion Nebula (M42) Position by Hour
Select a row to move both interactive maps to that time.
| Time | Elevation | Azimuth | Direction | Visibility | RA | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 16, 12:00 | -38° | 296° | north-west | Below horizon | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 16, 13:00 | -48° | 312° | north-west | Below horizon | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 16, 14:00 | -55° | 333° | north-west | Below horizon | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 16, 15:00 | -58° | 360° | north | Below horizon | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 16, 16:00 | -55° | 27° | north-east | Below horizon | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 16, 17:00 | -48° | 48° | north-east | Below horizon | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 16, 18:00 | -38° | 63° | north-east | Below horizon | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 16, 19:00 | -27° | 75° | north-east | Below horizon | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 16, 20:00 | -15° | 85° | east | Below horizon | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 16, 21:00 | -3° | 94° | east | Below horizon | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 16, 22:00 | 9° | 104° | south-east | Very low | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 16, 23:00 | 20° | 114° | south-east | Visible | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 17, 00:00 | 30° | 126° | south-east | Visible | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 17, 01:00 | 39° | 140° | south-east | Visible | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 17, 02:00 | 45° | 159° | south-east | Visible | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 17, 03:00 | 47° | 180° | south | Best view | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 17, 03:51 — Astronomical night ends | 46° | 199° | south-west | Visible | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 17, 04:00 | 45° | 202° | south-west | Visible | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 17, 04:21 — Twilight end | 43° | 209° | south-west | Twilight | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 17, 04:51 — Civil sunrise | 40° | 218° | south-west | Twilight | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 17, 05:00 | 39° | 220° | south-west | Twilight | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 17, 05:19 — Sunrise | 36° | 225° | south-west | Twilight | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 17, 06:00 | 30° | 235° | south-west | Daylight | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 17, 07:00 | 20° | 247° | south-west | Daylight | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 17, 08:00 | 8° | 257° | south-west | Daylight | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 17, 09:00 | -4° | 266° | west | Below horizon | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 17, 10:00 | -16° | 275° | west | Below horizon | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 17, 11:00 | -27° | 285° | north-west | Below horizon | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 17, 12:00 | -38° | 297° | north-west | Below horizon | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |