IC 423 (LBN 913, DG 58, “Teardrop Nebula”)
RA: 5h 33,4’
DEC: -00° 38’
Size: ~6’x3’

IC 424 (LBN 914, DG 59)
RA: 5h 33,6’
DEC: -00° 25’
Size: ~2’x1’

IC 426 (LBN 914, DG 59)
RA: 5h 36,5’
DEC: -00° 17’
Size: ~7’x6’

Next to the prominent (M 78, NGC 2024…) and very prominent (M42/43) nebulae in Orion there are some forgotten and often overlooked but very nice objects in the direct neighborhood.

In 1888 Williamina Fleming found three new nebulae on a photographic plate of the 8-inch “Bache refractor” at Harvard College Observatory. They found no entry in the already completed NGC, but in the IC I as IC 423, IC 424 and IC 426.

These reflection nebulae seem to be shaped from stellar winds and a resulting “shock front“ away from the bright star Alnilam. Alnilam, the middle star of the belt of Orion and around 1500ly away could be the illuminating star.

IC 423 and IC 426 could easily be detected with an 8-inch telescope. Bigger apertures gave astonishing details in these nebulae. Beside the interesting shape the three fainter following refection nebulae in the neighborhood of IC 426 could be an interesting and challenging task.

75'x75' DSS blue
IC423_426.jpg


sketch IC 423:
27", 172x, NELM 6m5+

IC423.jpg


sketch IC 426:
27", 172x, NELM 6m5+

IC426.jpg

As always, give it a go and let us know