How to find De Mairan’s Nebula (M43) using Orion

This guide uses bright stars first, then narrows the field for a telescope or binocular finder. Use Orion as the main sky landmark.

Follow the route from one recognizable star to the next until you reach De Mairan’s Nebula (M43).

De Mairan’s Nebula (M43) is 13° above the horizon toward the southeast.

Begin with Orion, then follow the reference stars toward De Mairan’s Nebula (M43).

Orion

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

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

From Alnitak, move about 0.8° toward the southwest until you reach HYG 26549.0.

From HYG 26549.0, move about 2.8° toward the south until you reach De Mairan’s Nebula (M43). This is the target field.