M20: The Trifid Nebula

Click on image for larger version.

The Trifid Nebula or M20 is one of the most observed of the summer nebula. It gets its distinct look from dust lanes that seem to divide the nebula into three parts. Located in the constellation Sagittarius its distance is estimated at approximately 5,000 light years.

Equipment

20in RC Optical Systems telescope Operating at f/8.4
Paramount ME Robotic Telescope Mount
SBIG ST10XME CCD camera with color filter wheel

L=(R+B) R G B color production was used to create this image.

Luminance = (R+B) 60 minutes binned 1x1
 Red = 10 minutes binned 2x2
 Green = 10 minutes binned 2x2
 Blue = 10 minutes binned 2x2
  • One iteration of L-R deconvolution (sharpening) algorithm using CCDsharp was applied to the luminance image.

  • This image is an (R+B)RGB composite.

    • Minimum credit line: Jim and Janet Castano/Adam Block/NOAO/AURA/NSF

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    Updated: 5/24/2003