Sh 2-279

Sh-279
Nebula
Sh-279 as taken from the Mount Lemmon Observatory
Observation data: J2000.0 epoch
Right ascension05h 35m 16.2s
Declination−04° 47′ 07″
Distance1,500 ly
Apparent magnitude (V)7.0
Apparent dimensions (V)40×25 (1977) arcmins
ConstellationOrion
Physical characteristics
Radius~7.5 ly (1977), 2 ly (1975)
1 ly (1973) ly
DesignationsSh-279, NGC 1977-73-75

Sh 2-279 (alternatively designated S279 or Sharpless 279) is an HII region and bright nebulae that includes a reflection nebula located in the constellation Orion. It is the northernmost part of the asterism known as Orion's Sword, lying 0.6° north of the Orion Nebula. The reflection nebula embedded in Sh 2-279 is popularly known as the Running Man Nebula.