M78 = NGC2068 (5h 46.7m +0°03´, 8 mag. )
This reflection nebula in Orion was discovered by Mechain in 1780 and Messier observed it on December 17, 1780.
M78 (NGC 2068) is a faint reflection nebula NE of Alnitak (zeta Ori), that looks best in long-exposure photographs.
This is M78. It is a member of the Orion complex, which is a large cloud of dust ad gas near the Orion Nebula, M42. It is the brightest part of a large dust cloud that includes several other small nebulae.
M42 The Great Orion Nebula (diffuse nebula)
M43 part of the Orion Nebula, de Mairan's Nebula (diffuse nebula)
M78 (diffuse nebula)
There are several pictures of Orion on the What Are Constellations? page ...
Besides these nebulae, surveying Orion with a small telescope will reveal a wealth of interesting deep sky objects, including Barnard's Loop, M43, M78 and the Flame Nebula (NGC 2024).
This is easily seen with any backyard telescope or binoculars. Also just above the belt of Orion (on his "right" or eastern side) is the reflection nebula M78. This is a magnitude 8 nebula, streching about 1/7 of a degree across the sky.
M78 and the Merope nebula in M45 (both reflection nebulae) did not improve at all with the OIII filter as expected, and finally the Rosette nebula was invisible from the city, even with the filter, probably due to the overwhelming light pollution.
 See also: Orion, Nebula, Sky, M42, Constellation
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