The Running Man Nebula

The Running Man Nebula and the Orion Molecular Cloud taken from our Backyard in February 2015- Canon 600D DSLR and 127mm Meade Refractor (unguided)

Often missed because of their visual proximity to the Great Orion Molecular cloud, the reflection nebulae located to its north,  present a dark image which is known as  the Running Man Nebula.

In particular, the beautiful grouping of reflection nebulae NGC 1977, NGC 1975, and NGC 1973 in Orion are often overlooked in favor of the substantial stellar nursery better known as the Orion Nebula. Found along the sword of Orion just north of the bright Orion Nebula complex, these nebulae are also associated with Orion's giant molecular cloud which lies about 1,500 light-years away, but are dominated by the characteristic blue color of interstellar dust reflecting light from hot young stars.   Taken together, the dark regions suggest to many the shape of a running man.  " I'll be back"!

Credits: some text from NASA

http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap031002.html