Magnificent Universe wrote:
Both studies find that the Orion Nebula is about 1,300 light-years from
Earth--over 200 light-years closer than previously thought.

At such a distance 200 ly is pretty much within the observational error.
Regardless, I sure wouldn't call a little more than 10% "much closer"
unless I was into writing hyperbolic press releases. I for one will
never understand why some feel astronomy needs all that hyperbole. I
mean, isn't the reality of it all exciting enough?

--
Greg Crinklaw
Astronomical Software Developer
Cloudcroft, New Mexico, USA (33N, 106W, 2700m)

SkyTools: http://www.skyhound.com/cs.html
Observing: http://www.skyhound.com/sh/skyhound.html
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