The Great Orion Nebula is an emission nebula consisting of vast clouds of interstellar gas which is so hot that it emits light. Located 1,600 light years away, the Orion Nebula (M42) is one of the brightest nebulae in the sky and can even be seen with the naked eye.

Here is another image taken a little while ago:

ì Click on the image to open a high resolution version.