Object Analysis

The Trifid Nebula (Messier 20) is an H II region located in Sagittarius. Its name means "divided into three lobes," a description that perfectly fits its appearance in a telescope. Dark dust lanes trisect the glowing heart of the nebula, creating a unique and easily recognizable structure.

M20 is an unusual combination of an open cluster of stars, an emission nebula (the red, hydrogen-rich portion), a reflection nebula (the blue, dust-rich outer halo), and a dark nebula (the dust gaps). This rare combination makes it a favorite target for astrophotographers who can capture the contrasting red and blue colors.

Located about 5,200 light-years away, the Trifid is a stellar nursery full of embryonic stars. Hubble images have revealed a stellar jet protruding from a cloud head and a finger-like stalk that points directly toward the star that powers the nebula, similar to the structures found in the Eagle Nebula.