Collinder 69 & The Orion Moleucular Cloud

Overview

Collinder 69, also known as the Lambda Orionis Cluster, is a prominent open star cluster located in the head of the Orion constellation, around 1,300 light-years from Earth. It is centered on Lambda Orionis (Meissa), a bright O-type star that illuminates the surrounding region. This young cluster, estimated to be about 5 million years old, contains numerous hot, massive stars, along with a population of smaller, less luminous stars. Collinder 69 is part of a larger stellar association and is embedded within a faint nebula, often referred to as the Lambda Orionis Ring, a remnant of past stellar activity. Visible with binoculars or small telescopes, it offers a rich and striking view, especially during winter months when Orion dominates the night sky.