The Lagoon Nebula (M8) and the Trifid Nebula (M20) are two of the most photogenic star-forming regions in the constellation Sagittarius. Separated by less than two degrees on the sky, they lie roughly 4,100 and 5,200 light-years away, respectively. M8 dominates the lower half of the frame, showcasing turbulent clouds of ionized gas, reflection nebulae, and embedded star clusters. At the top, M20 features a rare combination of emission, reflection, and dark nebulae, intersected by thick dust lanes.

This rendition combines LRGB data with narrowband emission mapped to a Foraxx-inspired palette, enhancing the contrast between ionized hydrogen, oxygen, and sulfur. The resulting image highlights the dynamic interplay of radiation and stellar winds shaping these regions, where stars are actively forming within dense molecular clouds.

This is an image of M8, also known as the Lagoon Nebula. It is an emission nebula about 4,100 light years away in the constellation Sagittarius. The nebula measures about 110 by 50 light years and has a number of Bok Globules throughout.

May 15, 2022

Location: Rio Hurtado, Chile

Telescope: ASA 500N

Camera: FLI PL 16803

Mount: ASA DDM85

Ha: 6x5 minutes (binned 1x1)

OIII: 6x5 minutes (binned 1x1)

SII: 6x5 minutes (binned 1x1)

Copyright: Bernard Miller