Simons Observatory

Observations [lambda] Orionis (also known as Meissa or Heka) is the star representing the head of Orion and can be found to the North of the quadrangle defined by the stars Betelgeuse, Bellatrix, Rigel and Saiph. This star can be found at the centre of open cluster Collinder 69 composed of fourth and fifth-magnitude young hot stars, visible to the naked eye. It can be resolved with a pair of binoculars. The star phi2 Orionis , an orange giant which can bee seen in the southeastern of the cluster, is not part of this region, although it might appear to be so due to projection effects. Its distance from the Sun is, in fact, only 116 light-years, as opposed to over 1400 light-years for the cluster itself and its associated nebula. Conversely, the nebula itself is not visible with binoculars or small amateur telescopes. It becomes clearly visible in long exposure photographs.