Evolution of the Orion Nebula (M42)

Radiation and wind from a nebula's stars push surrounding gas away, creating cavities within the nebula's cloud. In the Orion Nebula, several hot, young central stars, called the Trapezium, have carved out the core of the nebula. This cavernous core has broken through the part of the cloud that faces Earth, enabling Hubble and other telescopes to observe within.