Trifid Nebula M20

While everyone else is asleep at night, I’m stuck in a field with mosquitoes and a telescope for the Trifid Nebula (M20)! This beauty hides in the constellation Sagittarius 5,000 light-years from Earth. Its light has been shining since the first pyramids were built! M20 is a unique 3-in-1 cosmic combo set, combining three different types of nebulae. Young, hot stars emit hydrogen so powerfully that it literally glows in a rich pink-red color. The blue “cap” is a reflection nebula. This gas does not glow on its own, but reflects and scatters the light of neighboring stars, creating a stylish neon halo. The dark “scars” (Barnard 85) are absorption nebulae, these are dense clouds of dust that tightly block the light behind and cut the object into three lobes, which is why it was called “The Trifid”. The photo hunt was a great success! I will never cease to be amazed by the beauty hanging above our heads. #Astrokhata forever.