Target Overview
The Lagoon Nebula (M8), also known as Messier 8 or NGC 6523, is a giant interstellar cloud located in the Sagittarius constellation, about 4,100-5,200 light-years away from Earth. Spanning over 100 light-years across, it is one of the few star-forming nebulae visible to the naked eye, making it a popular target for amateur astronomers.
The nebula is rich in hydrogen gas, which fuels the formation of new stars. Its most notable feature is the Hourglass Nebula, a bright region within M8 where intense stellar winds from young stars shape the surrounding gas. The Lagoon Nebula also contains several Bok globules—dark, dense clouds where stars may eventually form. Its vivid colors and dynamic structure are revealed in greater detail through telescopic observations, showcasing glowing regions of ionized gas illuminated by energetic young stars.
The Trifid Nebula (M20), also known as Messier 20 or NGC 6514, is a striking star-forming region located about 5,200 light-years away in the constellation Sagittarius. It is renowned for its distinctive structure, where dark dust lanes divide the bright nebula into three distinct lobes, giving it its name "Trifid," which means "divided into three parts."
The nebula is a combination of three types of nebulae: an emission nebula (the red regions where hydrogen gas is ionized by young stars), a reflection nebula (the blue regions where starlight is scattered by dust), and a dark nebula (the obscuring dust lanes). The Trifid is both a birthplace of new stars and a fascinating object for astronomers due to its blend of colors and intricate details.
IC 4685 is a bright emission nebula located in the constellation Sagittarius, near the Lagoon Nebula (M8) and the Trifid Nebula (M20). This nebula is part of a complex region of gas and dust that is actively forming new stars. IC 4685 glows primarily due to ionized hydrogen gas, which is energized by ultraviolet radiation from nearby young, hot stars.
The nebula is a visually striking area, with intricate clouds of glowing gas and dark lanes of dust silhouetted against the bright background. Its proximity to other prominent star-forming regions in Sagittarius makes it a rich area for astronomical study, highlighting the dynamic processes of star birth and stellar evolution.
Geeky Details:
Captured over 2 nights September 29th and 30th between 9:30pm and 10:30pm each night before it set to the south. From Kenton, Oklahoma at the Oki-Tex Star Party.
- 25 exposures at 5 minutes for a total integration time of 2 hours and 5 minutes.
- 25 dark frames, 25 flat frames, and 25 flat darks.
- ZWO ASI533MC Pro camera (9.07MP)
- William Optics SpaceCat 51 Telescope (51mm aperture, 250mm focal length, f/4.9)
- Pegasus Astro NYX-101 Mount