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
← 3 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
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 16° toward the south-east, and finishes toward the north-west.
Astrometric and Physical Parameters of Orion Nebula (M42)
| Constellation | Orion |
| Elevation | -38° |
| Direction | north-east (63°) |
| Magnitude | 4 |
Orion Nebula (M42) Passage Through Night
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Current position of Orion Nebula (M42)
| Time | 18:53 |
| Latitude | 37.3541 |
| Longitude | -121.955 |
| Elevation | -38° |
| Azimuth | 63° |
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 2, 12:00 | -28° | 285° | north-west | Below horizon | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 2, 13:00 | -39° | 297° | north-west | Below horizon | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 2, 14:00 | -48° | 313° | north-west | Below horizon | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 2, 15:00 | -56° | 335° | north-west | Below horizon | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 2, 16:00 | -58° | 2° | north | Below horizon | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 2, 17:00 | -55° | 29° | north-east | Below horizon | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 2, 18:00 | -47° | 49° | north-east | Below horizon | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 2, 19:00 | -37° | 64° | north-east | Below horizon | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 2, 20:00 | -26° | 76° | north-east | Below horizon | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 2, 21:00 | -14° | 86° | east | Below horizon | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 2, 22:00 | -2° | 95° | east | Below horizon | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 2, 23:00 | 9° | 104° | south-east | Very low | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 3, 00:00 | 21° | 115° | south-east | Visible | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 3, 01:00 | 31° | 127° | south-east | Visible | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 3, 02:00 | 40° | 142° | south-east | Visible | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 3, 03:00 | 45° | 161° | south-east | Visible | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 3, 03:38 — Astronomical night ends | 47° | 174° | south | Visible | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 3, 04:00 | 47° | 182° | south | Visible | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 3, 04:08 — Twilight end | 47° | 185° | south | Twilight | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 3, 04:39 — Civil sunrise | 46° | 196° | south-west | Twilight | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 3, 05:00 | 45° | 203° | south-west | Twilight | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 3, 05:06 — Sunrise | 44° | 206° | south-west | Twilight | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 3, 06:00 | 38° | 221° | south-west | Daylight | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 3, 07:00 | 29° | 236° | south-west | Daylight | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 3, 08:00 | 19° | 248° | south-west | Daylight | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 3, 09:00 | 7° | 258° | south-west | Daylight | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 3, 10:00 | -5° | 267° | west | Below horizon | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 3, 11:00 | -17° | 276° | west | Below horizon | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |
| Oct 3, 12:00 | -28° | 286° | north-west | Below horizon | 05h 35m | −05° 23′ |