The Great Orion Nebula (M42) is the classic and popular bright nebula that receives widespread attention. M43 is adjacent to it. In a sense, it is hidden in the overwhelming presence of M42. An observer needs a bit more aperture in a telescope or the help of astro video to appreciate the lesser visual stature of M43. However, the extra effort to study it reveals delightful features that are unique. The object’s center is a bright star, called Bond’s star, whose light affects the gases in back of it. The reflected light shows as nearly 2/3 of a circle around the central star. In the sketch above, using the star as the center of an imaginary clock, you can see the nebulosity from the 10 am position to about 6 pm. The astro video enables me to see the white, pinks, purples, and reds in that area. Another unique aspect of the object is the prominent dark lane (gas clouds in front of the central star) that run from the 6 am to 10 am position. With some careful study over the hour and a half of observation, I could depict some of the detail of the structure of the darker clouds. Many of the object’s stars are hidden to the visual observer, but the astro video heightens their contrast above the nebulous surroundings, so I was able to locate them on the sketch as well.
The lesson in the observation for me is identified in Psalm 139 verse 15: “My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body.” M43 is a hidden object when considered adjacent to the Great Orion Nebula but is not forgotten by observers with some experience. In like manner, God does not forget us; we are not hidden from him. From before we were born, when we were yet a secret, he knew us. When I see M43 it reminds me of his care for the things that seem hidden but are really not. For those who trust in him, they understand how the love of God extends to places far beyond the obvious noise and chatter of the world and touches them. The love of Jesus Christ is like an extreme white light in a dark place: it penetrates through darkness to reach the one who calls for him. No detail or issue escapes his notice and concern. While the world and things in it may seem overwhelming, we need not be dismayed: he knows our frame and has not hesitated to make his presence known to the hungry heart–one way or the other.
