Messier 78 or M 78, also known as NGC 2068, is a reflection nebula in the constellation Orion. It was discovered by Pierre Méchain in 1780 and included by Charles Messier in his catalog of comet-like objects that same year.

Distance to Earth: 1,600 light years

Magnitude: 8.3

Radius: 5 light years

Coordinates: RA 5h 46m 47s | Dec +0° 0′ 50″

Constellation: Orion

Apparent dimensions (V): 8′ × 6′