The Trifid Nebula (catalogued as Messier 20 or M20 and as NGC 6514) is an H II region located in Sagittarius. 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 trifurcated 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 perennial favorite of amateur astronomers.

Imaging telescopes or lenses: Meade LXD 55 SN6
Imaging cameras: Canon EOS 450D modified
Guiding telescopes or lenses: Meade LXD 55 SN6
Guiding cameras: QHY5
Dates: June 29, 2014
Frames: 10×300″
Integration: 0.8 hours

Author: Pedro Asunción
AstroPhotography of the day by SPONLI 14 July 2014