Posted on 08/10/2024 2:23:17 PM PDT by MtnClimber
Explanation: Messier 20, popularly known as the Trifid Nebula, lies about 5,000 light-years away toward the nebula rich constellation Sagittarius. A star forming region in the plane of our galaxy, the Trifid does illustrate three different types of astronomical nebulae; red emission nebulae dominated by light from hydrogen atoms, blue reflection nebulae produced by dust reflecting starlight, and dark nebulae where dense dust clouds appear in silhouette. The reddish emission region, roughly separated into three parts by obscuring dust lanes, is what lends the Trifid its popular name. The cosmic cloud complex is over 40 light-years across and would cover the area of a full moon on planet Earth's sky. But the Trifid Nebula is too faint to be seen by the unaided eye. Over 75 hours of image data captured under dark night skies was used to create this stunning telescopic view.
For more detail go to the link and click on the image for a high definition image. You can then move the magnifying glass cursor then click to zoom in and click again to zoom out. When zoomed in you can scan by moving the side bars on the bottom and right side of the image.
Wow.
bttt
I see a cowâs face telling us how delicious cheeseburgers are.
Under fairly dark skies, it can be seen, with a 5â or 6â telescope. It wonât look like the photo, but the dust lanes will be visible. It doesnât take 75 hours to see it, you just have to know where to look, with a scope big enough. Itâs a wonderful Summer Milky Way object.
Yes, eat me next.
CheeseburgersâŠ.natureâs most perfect food.
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