Credits: Keith Turnecliff, Long Itchington

The Running Man Nebula - NGC 1977 or Sh2-279 - is a reflection nebula that can be found in the Orion constellation, 1,460 lightyears away. It's located along the sword of Orion, north of the Orion Nebula, and is known as the Running Man Nebula because many observers think it bears a resemblance to a human figure running with its arms in motion. It was discovered by William Herschel in 1786, and its proximity to the Orion Nebula means the two are often photographed alongside one another.

Facts about NGC1977 by Keith Turnecliff

The Running Man Nebula is actually composed of three nebulae: NGC 1973, NGC 1975, and NGC 1977.

This star chart represents a view from Long Itchington for early February at 9pm.
Credits: Image courtesy of Starry Night Pro Plus 8, researched and implemented by Keith Turnecliff.