This Week in Astronomy with Dave Eicher: See the Horsehead Nebula

Try to observe this difficult deep-sky object.
By | Published: February 24, 2025 | Last updated on June 11, 2025

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The article discusses the observation of the Horsehead Nebula, presented as a celestial object notably difficult to view.
  • This object is identified as a dark nebula, composed of dust and super-cold gas, located within the constellation Orion the Hunter.
  • Successful observation requires specific environmental conditions, namely a dark observing site, and substantial telescopic equipment, such as an 11-inch Celestron.
  • Dave Eicher issues an invitation to attempt the observation of this challenging deep-sky object.

In this episode, Dave Eicher invites you to go out and try to observe a celestial object that’s quite difficult to see — the Horsehead Nebula. This dark nebula, made of dust and super-cold gas, lies in the constellation Orion the Hunter. You’ll need a dark observing site and a large telescope, something like an 11-inch Celestron. Good luck!