Observer's guide
About NGC 2068
NGC 2068 (M78) is catalogued as a diffuse nebula in Orion. Its J2000 position is RA 05:46:45.82, Dec +00:04:45.5, corresponding to 86.6908 degrees RA and 0.0792 degrees Dec. The local catalogue places it about 1,600 light-years away. Its referenced angular extent is approximately 8 by 6 arcminutes.
Observing tips
This is rated as a moderate target at magnitude 8.3. It is associated with winter observing, with midnight placement typically strongest around December. From 52 degrees north its theoretical meridian altitude is about 38.1 degrees; local horizons and the live altitude chart determine the practical window.
A small telescope under reasonably dark skies is a good starting point; use the live altitude chart to choose its highest point.
What to expect
The SIMBAD classification for the matched source is RNe. A published radial velocity value is 63.3 km/s. The SIMBAD record currently connects it to 400 bibliographic references.
At roughly 8 arcminutes across, it benefits from a narrower field and adequate image scale. Use the listed 8 by 6 arcminute extent to check framing, and treat catalogue magnitude as integrated brightness rather than a direct measure of visual contrast.