M20-LRGB1-Processed-DeNoised-Watermarked
The Trifid Nebula, also known as Messier 20 or NGC 6514, is a combination of an emission nebula, a reflection nebula, and a dark nebula. It is situated approximately 5,200 light-years away from Earth and spans an impressive distance of about 40 light-years. This vast size makes it easily visible through telescopes, making it a favorite target for both amateur and professional astronomers.
The three main lobes that give the Trifid Nebula its name are a result of the complex interplay between gas and dust within the nebula. The emission nebula, characterized by its striking red hue, is primarily composed of ionized hydrogen gas. This gas is energized by the intense ultraviolet radiation emitted by a cluster of young, hot stars at the nebula’s center.
Adjacent to the emission nebula is the reflection nebula, which appears blue due to the scattering of light by tiny dust particles. These particles reflect the light from nearby stars, giving the nebula its ethereal glow. The dark nebula, on the other hand, consists of dense clouds of gas and dust that block the light from background stars, creating contrasting dark lanes amidst the vibrant emission and reflection nebulae.
The Trifid Nebula is a celestial nursery, nurturing the formation of new stars in its midst. The intricate details and structures seen within the nebula are a testament to the immense forces at play in the cosmos. From the turbulent birth of stars to the interstellar dust and gas sculpted by stellar winds and radiation, the Trifid Nebula showcases the complexity and beauty of the universe.
So the Trifid Nebula stands as a testament to the awe-inspiring beauty and complexity of the cosmos. Its three distinct lobes, vibrant colors, and star-forming regions make it a captivating sight for both amateur stargazers and seasoned astronomers. As we continue to explore the depths of the universe, the Trifid Nebula serves as a reminder of the immense wonders that await us in the vastness of space.
Image Info
Imaged from the KPO field, in Saint Cloud, Florida
Camera : ZWO ASI2600MM Pro
Scope: Orion RC-12 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph, 2450mm fl, F/8
Mount: iOptron CEM-120
Luminance: 20 subframes of 300s = 100 min integration
Red: 12 subframes of 300s = 60 min integration
Green: 10 subframes of 300s = 50 min integration
Blue: 12 subframes of 300s = 60 min integration
Total integration time: 270 min = 4.5 hours.
Captured via ASIAir Pro automation
Optical tracking via ASIAir automation via the ASI1600mm Pro guide camera
Separate channels stacked and LRGB integrated in Astro Pixel Processor
Image run through Super DeNoising
Final processing in Aperture
M20-LRGB1-Processed-DeNoised-Watermarked
The Trifid Nebula, also known as Messier 20 or NGC 6514, is a combination of an emission nebula, a reflection nebula, and a dark nebula. It is situated approximately 5,200 light-years away from Earth and spans an impressive distance of about 40 light-years. This vast size makes it easily visible through telescopes, making it a favorite target for both amateur and professional astronomers.
The three main lobes that give the Trifid Nebula its name are a result of the complex interplay between gas and dust within the nebula. The emission nebula, characterized by its striking red hue, is primarily composed of ionized hydrogen gas. This gas is energized by the intense ultraviolet radiation emitted by a cluster of young, hot stars at the nebula’s center.
Adjacent to the emission nebula is the reflection nebula, which appears blue due to the scattering of light by tiny dust particles. These particles reflect the light from nearby stars, giving the nebula its ethereal glow. The dark nebula, on the other hand, consists of dense clouds of gas and dust that block the light from background stars, creating contrasting dark lanes amidst the vibrant emission and reflection nebulae.
The Trifid Nebula is a celestial nursery, nurturing the formation of new stars in its midst. The intricate details and structures seen within the nebula are a testament to the immense forces at play in the cosmos. From the turbulent birth of stars to the interstellar dust and gas sculpted by stellar winds and radiation, the Trifid Nebula showcases the complexity and beauty of the universe.
So the Trifid Nebula stands as a testament to the awe-inspiring beauty and complexity of the cosmos. Its three distinct lobes, vibrant colors, and star-forming regions make it a captivating sight for both amateur stargazers and seasoned astronomers. As we continue to explore the depths of the universe, the Trifid Nebula serves as a reminder of the immense wonders that await us in the vastness of space.
Image Info
Imaged from the KPO field, in Saint Cloud, Florida
Camera : ZWO ASI2600MM Pro
Scope: Orion RC-12 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph, 2450mm fl, F/8
Mount: iOptron CEM-120
Luminance: 20 subframes of 300s = 100 min integration
Red: 12 subframes of 300s = 60 min integration
Green: 10 subframes of 300s = 50 min integration
Blue: 12 subframes of 300s = 60 min integration
Total integration time: 270 min = 4.5 hours.
Captured via ASIAir Pro automation
Optical tracking via ASIAir automation via the ASI1600mm Pro guide camera
Separate channels stacked and LRGB integrated in Astro Pixel Processor
Image run through Super DeNoising
Final processing in Aperture