Higher-resolution versions: 1280 x 1024  2004 x 1336

Object Type: Emission Nebula, Reflection Nebula
Constellation: Sagittarius
Magnitude: 6.3
Size: 29' x 27'

The Trifid Nebula takes its name from the three dark lanes dividing the red emission nebula. It is located 5,200 light-years from the solar system. As with many other emission nebulae, M20 is associated with a star cluster still in the process of formation.

Equipment: Meade 14" LX200R/STL-11000M/Astrodon LRGB filters/Paramount ME
F-ratio: f/9.5
Exposures: LRGB: L 10 x 6 minutes, binned 2x2: R 10 x 6 minutes: G 10 x 6 minutes: B 10 x 6 minutes: RGB binned 3x3
Date: July 6 and 7, 2007
Location: Landers, California, USA
Technical Notes: Individual exposures were obtained using CCDAutoPilot2 and then sigma combined. The RGB image was created in Registar 1.0. Gaussian Blur of 1 pixel was applied to the RGB image and a High Pass Filter of 4 pixels was selectively applied to the luminance image using a Layer Mask. A duplicate of the RGB image was combined using Soft Light to increase color saturation.