M 20 - Trifid Nebula

M20, the Trifid Nebula (NGC 6514), is a combined emission, reflection, and dark nebula located in the constellation Sagittarius. It is situated approximately 5,000 to 5,200 light-years from Earth and spans roughly 16 light-years in diameter.

A characteristic feature of the Trifid Nebula is its striking three-part division, which gives the object its name. In front of the entire nebula lies the dark dust cloud Barnard 85, whose dark lanes divide the glowing gas into three distinct sections. The ionization of the main nebula as an emission region is caused by a hot star, whose intense radiation excites the hydrogen gas, making it glow. The blue regions of the nebula are due to reflected light from nearby stars bouncing off dust particles.

Within the nebular complex, several young, massive protostars are embedded in dense gas and dust regions, indicating ongoing star formation and contributing to the structural diversity of the object

Shooting Data