M20 · nebula

Trifid Nebula

The Trifid Nebula is an H II region in the north-west of Sagittarius in a star-forming region in the Milky Way's Scutum–Centaurus Arm.

RA18h 02m 42sDec−22° 58' 18"

Image: 2MASS. Source: NASA via images.nasa.gov.

Identity & coordinates

Identification

Primary designation: M20
All designations: M20 · NGC 6514 · Trifid Nebula
Object type: Nebula
Constellation: Sagittarius
Best viewing: Summer

Coordinates & physical

Right ascension (J2000): 18h 02m 42s
Declination (J2000): −22° 58' 18"
Apparent magnitude (V): —
Distance: —

III

Visibility tonight

The science

The Trifid Nebula is an H II region in the north-west of Sagittarius in a star-forming region in the Milky Way's Scutum–Centaurus Arm. It was discovered by Charles Messier on June 5, 1764. Its name means 'three-lobe'. The object is an unusual combination of an open cluster of stars, an emission nebula, a reflection nebula, and a dark nebula. Viewed through a small telescope, the Trifid Nebula is a bright and peculiar object, and is thus a perennial favorite of amateur astronomers.

Summary adapted from Wikipedia · CC-BY-SA-4.0