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Horsehead Nebula

Horsehead Nebula, dark nebula located in the constellation Orion; designated IC 434 or B 33. It consists of a cloud of nonluminous interstellar matter resembling the outline of a horse's head and appears against the background of a bright emission nebula. The Horsehead Nebula measures about 4 min of arc at its greatest width. It is located near the belt of Orion at a distance of about 1,600 light-years from the earth.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2012, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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