M20 The Trifid Nebula, NewLightObservatory

M20 The Trifid Nebula

M20 The Trifid Nebula, NewLightObservatory

M20 The Trifid Nebula

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Description

M20 (Trifid Nebula)

The Trifid Nebula (catalogued as Messier 20 or M20 and as NGC 6514) is an H II region located in Sagittarius. Its name means 'divided into three lobes'. The object is an unusual combination of an open cluster of stars; an emission nebula (the lower, red portion), a reflection nebula (the upper, blue portion) and a dark nebula (the apparent 'gaps' within the emission nebula that cause the trifid appearance; these are also designated Barnard 85). Viewed through a small telescope, the Trifid Nebula is a bright and peculiar object, and is thus a favorite of amateur astronomers.

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M20 The Trifid Nebula, NewLightObservatory