Messier 78 (original) (raw)

[1811: PT Vol. 1811, p. 226-336; here p. 278]
3. Of Nebulosities joined to Nebulae.
The nature of diffused nebulosities is such that we often see it joined to real nebulae; for instance of this kind we have the following fourteen objects [including M78] ..

[SP2 p. 659]
1783, Dec. 19 (Sw. 59). Two large [bright] stars, well defined, within a nebulous glare of light resembling that in Orion's sword. There are also three very small [faint] stars just visible in the nebulous part which seem to be component particles thereof. I think there is a faint ray near 1/2 deg long towards the east and another towards the south east less extended, but I am not quite so well assured of the reality of these latter phenomena as I could wish, and would rather ascribe them to some deception. At least I shall suspend my judgement till I have seen it again in very fine weather, tho' the night is far from bad.
1786, Jan. 1 (Sw. 506). Very large milky nebulosity, terminating suddenly on the north side; contains 2 pL. [pretty large (bright)] stars, they are on the north side.
1786, Dec. 22 (Sw. 661). Milky nebulosity containing three stars, iF. [irregularly formed], 5 or 6' long.

h 368 = M78.
Sweep 113 (December 20, 1827)
RA 5h 38m 1.3s, NPD 90d 0' 10" (1830.0) [Right Ascension and North Polar Distance]
Two stars 9=9m; pos 60deg nf; dist 50" in a wispy nebula. See fig. 36.
Two stars equally bright at 9 m; position angle 60 deg north following; distance 50", in a wispy nebula. See figure 36.

Sweep 107 (November 23, 1827)
RA 5h 38m 2.6s, NPD 90d 1' 59" (1830.0)
A v L wisp-shaped neb involving 3 st. It extends 5'; terminating abruptly to n, but extending sf beyond the 3rd *.
A very large wisp-shaped nebula involving 3 stars. It extends 5'; terminating abruptly to the north, but extending south-following [SE] beyond the third star.

[Appendix]

[Figure on Plate XII, Fig. 36, No. 368, M. 78, RA 5h 38m 2s, NPD 90d 1']