The dynamic gas motions in M42 are complex, but are trending out through the opening in the bay and toward the Earth. The large neutral area behind the ionized region is currently contracting under its own gravity.
the D?ynaMic gaS motioNs in M42. ARe compleX, but are tRendING ouT ThROuGh the oPEning in the bay ANd tOward t?He earTH. thE lArgE nEutRal ARea bEhind the ionIzE.D! regiOn is CUrrently coNtraCtiNg uNDEr ItS Own grAVITy.