M43 is also located in the
constellation of Orion, and is actually part of M42, the Orion
Nebula. It is visually separated from the rest of M42 by an
impressive dark lane of dense dust. The dust actually lies
between the nebula and us. If you could see M42 from the other
side of the dust lane it would appear to be all in one piece.
M43 is easily visible in a 4-inch telescope, but an 8-inch
instrument will reveal dark features and details along the
nebula's eastern border.
