M42 at its best

In the winter months it's easy to stay indoors only because it's so cold outside. But if the rewards for staying up into the early hours is this wonderful picture of M42, the Orion Nebula, then it's well worth it.
Recently scientists have found evidence that deep within the luminous clouds they are many proto-solar systems in the process of forming into fully fledged planetary systems. Nigel has capture the energy of this magnificent nebula. Clearly visible is all the fine detail in the clouds demonstrating the varoius forces involved in shaping this stella birthplace.